We often see non-Muslims sharing takjil, food to break the fast, during the holy month of Ramadan, especially on the streets. Although this shows tolerance and respect among different religions, it is important to understand the laws of receiving and eating these takjil.
In Islamic jurisprudence, giving food is known as sedekah, hibah, or hadiah (gift). The food given by non-Muslims has the status of hibah or hadiah, depending on their intention and expression when giving it.
والحاصل أنه إن ملك لأجل الاحتياج أو لقصد الثواب مع صيغة، كان هبة وصدقة، وإن ملك بقصد الإكرام مع صيغة، كان هبة وهدية، وإن ملك لا لأجل الثواب ولا الإكرام بصيغة، كان هبة فقط. وإن ملك لأجل الاحتياج أو الثواب من غير صيغة، كان صدقة فقط، وإن ملك لأجل الإكرام من غير صيغة، كان هدية فقط
It means, "(1) if someone gives something to someone else with the intention of helping them or hoping for rewards with a clear intention, then it is called hibah and sedekah. (2) If someone gives something to someone else to honor them with a clear intention, then it is called hibah and gift. (3) If someone gives something to someone else without intending to gain rewards or honor, then it is called hibah. (4) If someone gives something to someone else with the intention of helping or hoping for rewards but without using clear intention, then it is called sedekah. (5) If someone gives something to someone else to honor them without clear intention, then it is called a gift." (Abu Bakar bin Ustman bin Muhammad Syatha Ad-Dimyati, Hasyiyah I'anatut Thalibin, [Beirut, Darul Fikr], juz III, page 171).
It can be seen from the above explanation that according to Islamic jurisprudence, the food given by non-Muslims has the status of hibah or hadiah.
Most of the takjil shared by non-Muslims are halal foods such as bread, ready-to-eat meals, fruits, packaged drinks, ice, kolak, and so on. Therefore, we can ensure that the food given is halal and can be consumed by Muslims.
What is the legal status of receiving gifts from non-Muslims?
In the context of mu'amalah (daily interaction), it is allowed to interact with non-Muslims, including receiving takjil from them. Therefore, we can receive and eat takjil from non-Muslims without any problems.
In Islam, there are various rules and regulations related to business transactions, including interactions with non-Muslims. According to Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani's book Fathul Bari, it is permissible to do business transactions with non-Muslims except for buying and selling goods that may support non-Muslims to fight against Muslims. Additionally, receiving gifts from non-Muslims is allowed.
Several narrations indicate that Prophet Muhammad received gifts from non-Muslims. In one of the hadiths in Sahih Muslim, Ali bin Abi Thalib narrated that Prophet Muhammad received gifts from non-Muslims. This proves that receiving gifts from non-Muslims is permissible in Islam.
The question arises about the consumption of gifts, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Ibn Munzir explains that scholars have different opinions about consuming gifts or eating food offered by non-Muslims.
Some scholars permit it, while others do not, especially if the wealth of the non-Muslim is obtained through haram means. However, according to Ibn Baththal's explanation of Ibn Munzir's statement in his book Syarah Shahih Bukhari, Hassan Al-Bashri saw no harm in a person eating food from a tax collector, a money-changer, or a worker.
In conclusion, accepting gifts or hibahs from non-Muslims, including food offered during Ramadan, is permissible. However, consuming such gifts and food may require further consideration, particularly regarding the source of wealth of the non-Muslim who offered the gift.
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