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Fatwa CenterLiving and mixing with unbelievers
Question
I am a student living in Belgium, but I am a Muslim of Moroccan origin. I read this verse of the Qur'an:
“O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Awliyaa’ (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Awliyaa’ of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as Awliyaa’), then surely, he is one of them. Verily, Allaah guides not those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers and unjust." [5:51]
I live between the Kuffar since I was 1-year-old, I am now 22-years-old and I am studying in a university. In my class there are only Kuffar and I don't meet any Muslims there. I have to be friends with them there because I cannot stay alone there and we have to make some papers together. Is this allowed for me? There are also a lot of girls there that don't dress themselves properly and it is difficult for me to lower my gaze because they are everywhere, in the bus, classroom, etc..... . What should I do?
Answer
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. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
It is an obligation on a Muslim to avoid places of afflictions, tribulations, disobediences and sins. If someone is obliged to enter these places, and mix with the people there, he has to be patient not to disobey Allaah, like lowering the gaze, not staying in seclusion with a woman and so on. We advise you to look for a place that is free from these prohibitions to study. If this is not possible and the type of studies is necessary then there is no harm to continue these studies provided you abide by the Commandments and Prohibitions of Allaah. Dealing with non-Muslims is not prohibited as long as it is within religious bounds. The Prophet 
used to receive their delegation and fulfil his promise towards them, as this is not considered as taking them as protectors, helpers and friends. Taking them as Awliyaa' (friends, allies, protectors and helpers) means to love and help them and be affectionate to them and so forth. However, dealing with them does not necessarily mean loving them and being affectionate to them. A person may deal with many people whom he does not like. For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa: 82091 and 84163.
Allaah knows best.
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