I am a woman who corresponds with some European and American women via the Internet. We have been exchanging gifts and discussing sewing ideas for two years. I have tried to talk to them about Islam, but I stopped for fear that I do not know enough to call them to Islam and I might make some mistakes. What do you advise me to do – should I cut off my ties with them altogether or should I carry on with the aim of calling them to Islam despite the difficulties – and how should I begin? Is this relationship regarded as friendship, and what is the Islamic ruling on it?

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 is His slave and Messenger.

First of all, we thank you for your interest in calling non-Muslim women to Islam. We supplicate Allaah to accept your efforts as good deeds.

Indeed, debating with non-Muslims needs sound knowledge that enables a Muslim to refute the misconceptions which they raise against Islam, and explain to them the reality, fairness and greatness of Islam. If a Muslim does not have the knowledge and experience in debating, he might fail to refute their misconceptions properly or he might be impressed by them or he may undermine the position and the greatness of Islam. Therefore, it is not allowed to confront the Christians or other non-Muslims unless the person is eligible to do so.

However, it does not mean that you should stop from calling them to Islam, as it is possible to do so by referring them to good articles and useful books that prove the falseness of their religion, how it has changed and the like, without debating.

As regards your question as how to start, then the first matter a Muslim should start with in calling non-Muslims to Islam is the Testimony that None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. You have to send them the material that contains the details and evidence about worshipping only one entity i.e. Allaah, the proofs that prove the prophecy of the Prophet and the truthfulness of Islam. After that, they should be called to the prayer and other pillars of Islam.

To know the prophecies given by Jesus about Muhammad please refer to Fatwa 81396, to know 'what is Islam', please refer to Fatwa 81979, and refer to Fatwa 83990 about Muhammad in the Bible.

It is advisable, while calling the People of the Book, to concentrate and highlight the contrarieties that are in their books since it weakens the belief that they are the words of Allaah. All the above steps should be followed wisely and kindly. It is also advisable to advise them to read the translation of the Quran since it has great effects.

As for your question, 'is this relationship regarded as friendship', then if the relationship is for the purpose of calling them to Islam, then there is no harm in it provided the conditions of relationship between a Muslim and a non-Muslim are met. For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 88293.

Allaah Knows best.