Eating or Drinking with a Christian

Question

Is it forbidden for a Muslim to eat or drink with a Christian? If it is forbidden, how is that reconciled with Allah's statement, 'The food of those given the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them' [al-Ma'idah 5:5]?

Answer (English translation)

Answer: No, it is not forbidden. The permissibility of their food is a different matter from eating with them. Their food is lawful for us. But do not make them companions with whom you constantly eat, socialise and laugh. No, because they are enemies. However, if an occasion arises, there are guests, and a Christian or someone else happens to be present at the meal and you eat with him, there is no sin, Allah willing. But do not make them companions. The hadith says, 'Keep company only with a believer, and let only a person mindful of Allah eat your food.'

A believer should take care that his companions are the best of people and that those who visit him are among the best of people. Incidental situations that are not deliberately sought, such as a non-Muslim guest arriving and being served food, or attending a meal with Muslims and others and eating with them, do no harm, Allah willing. But do not make them companions, close allies or intimate friends with whom you socialise and laugh and the like, because they are your enemies.