We are temporarily living in a western country and my wife goes to a school there to learn sewing and English. They distribute food and clothes and other things. Is my wife allowed to take these things?

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 wasallam, is His slave and messenger.

Before answering this question, we have to explain the ruling on residing in a non-Muslim country, because it is a very important issue that relates to this question. You may refer to Fatwa 86405 for details on this issue.

As for the answer to your question, such institutions in different countries are run by non-Muslims, mainly Christians, who often play a missionary role to intellectually invade Muslims and erode their identity. It is well-known that they mostly use aid and benevolence to affect people. Allaah Says (what means): {Indeed, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to avert [people] from the way of Allaah.} [Quran 8:36] Thus we advise you not take these things, and your wife should not go to this place, and you should return to your country or go to live in another Muslim country as soon as your urgent need to stay in this country finishes. The land of Allaah is spacious and His Provision is abundant everywhere.

Allaah Knows best.