Can a Christian Pray for a Muslim?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
Is it permissible for a Christian to pray for an ill Muslim? The Christian placed her hand on the Muslim’s forehead and prayed a silent prayer. Is the Muslim sinful for letting her do that? She did not stop her for lack of knowing the ruling.
Answer
Thank you for your question. Generally speaking, we don’t stop non-Muslims from making their prayers and we don’t compel them to follow our beliefs. In addition, it is permissible for a non-Muslim lady to touch a Muslim lady. Given that these two separate acts are permissible, it is permissible for her to place a hand on her friend and say a prayer silently.
However, I feel that you were made uncomfortable with this act and in the future, you should request that she say her prayer without touching you. She can hold your hand or touch you before or after. Have tact and good character with her, because you don’t want to turn her away from the religion.
I pray that from her touching you, she might have benefitted from you more than you did from her. May Allah Most High guide her to the straight path.
Kindly check this link:
Can We Pray for a Non-Muslim’s Worldly and Religious Good?
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
