How should I react to atheists and Christians?

- I work with people who are very weak in faith, who scorn religion, who are atheists, Christians, and people of many other different beliefs. How should I react?
- I work in a hospital, and considering the current circumstances, I can say that I do not have the opportunity to work elsewhere. The number of believers is very, very small. Maybe 20% of the current population, but how many can that be?
- I include myself in this group too. Although the people where I work do not believe, they try to question my faith by presenting evidence. Thankfully, I haven’t allowed it, and I won’t. Even if I do not fully fulfill my religious duties, Allah’s promise is true, and there is resurrection after death. My belief in Allah’s existence and oneness is complete.
- However, there are many things that upset me. The conversations I witness disturb me, and frankly, I do not speak up much. There are people of every religion but their attitude toward Islam is particularly different. I cannot cut off communication with those people. I work with them. We have normal conversations, and since they know my attitude, they do not bring up these topics with me. How appropriate is it for me to meet and talk with them (in normal life), to be friends with them?
- If we consider it in terms of their humanity, they are very, very good people; they are atheists, Christians, etc. As far as I know, we should not accept their treats.

Dear Brother / Sister,

In such an environment, if you live your normal Muslim life, with your good morals, manners, and grace, you can influence people.

Those who are influenced by you and see Islam in your person may be guided to the right path; even if it does not happen, their misconceptions and misperceptions about Islam will be corrected, and their hostility will either disappear or soften.

Preaching Islam, inviting people to this blessed religion, is an art, a matter of knowledge and wisdom; words and actions should be adjusted according to the likelihood of achieving beneficial results.

If they deny or mock Allah’s verses, then leave that place; do not stay with them until the conversation moves on to another topic. In other words, in such situations, express your opposition with your heart, your words, and by leaving the environment, depending on the circumstances.

“Already has He sent you Word in the Book, that when ye hear the signs of Allah held in defiance and ridicule, ye are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme: if ye did, ye would be like them. For Allah will collect the hypocrites and those who defy faith - all in Hell.” (an-Nisa, 4/140)

“When thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes thee forget, then after recollection, sit not thou in the company of those who do wrong.” (al-Anam, 6/68)

If they respect our religion, there is no harm in accepting their treats. (See Abu Yahya Zakariyya, Asnal-Matalib, 2/480)

Questions on Islam