Assalamualikum, Can you please help me answer this question asked by a non-Muslim: A muslim friend told them that all Christians will go to the Hell-Fire. So they asked is that true? How shall I reply in a way that isn't offensive or let them hate Islam and stay away from it? Jazak Allah khair, Mariam

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds.  I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

If the Christians as well as the people of other religions than Islam die on their disbelief, then they will be of the dwellers of Hellfire as the Prophet said: “I swear by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, there is no Jew or Christian of this community (of people from the time of the Prophet until the Day of Judgment) who hears about me and then dies without believing in what I was sent with, except that he will be amongst the people of Hellfire.” [Muslim]

Therefore, if the Christians ask you about this, tell them what the Quran says on the tongue of ‘Eesa (Jesus) . Allaah Says (what means): {They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allaah is the Messiah, the son of Mary” while the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allaah, my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with Allaah — Allaah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.}[Quran 5:72]

Besides, you should explain to them that the religion that they follow is Shirk [associating partners to Allaah] and it is not reasonable or logical that the fate of a polytheist would be Paradise. Also, you should clarify to them that they must embrace Islam, which is the true religion of Allaah, if they want to be saved on the Day of Resurrection. Allaah Says (what means): {And whoever desires other than Islam as religion, never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.}[Quran 3:85]

However, you should clarify to them these facts wisely and in a gentle manner that shows that you feel pity for them and that you wish good for them.

For more information on an introduction to Islam, and that the Christianity is a false religion and about the contradictions that are in the Bible, please refer to Fataawa 81979, 85234, 88906, 85307, 90986 and 90449.

Finally, it should be mentioned that there are some guidelines for engaging in dialogue with the Christians, the most important of which is that the person who debates with them should be well grounded in religion so that he can refute the misconceptions which they raise about Islam. For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 20859 and 84844.

Allaah Knows best.