In general it is not permissible to a Muslim to eat in restaurants serving wine or pork. In case there is no other place to eat, it is accepted provided that he does not eat or drink anything that is forbidden.
The Qur’an and the Sunnah, as well as the unanimity of Muslim scholars, make clear that the flesh of swine is forbidden to eat. And it is also not permissible to use extracts from what is forbidden like gelatin or yeast.
Muslims are allowed to take medicine containing alcohol if its amount doesn’t affect the mind and there is no other alternative. It should be prescribed by a qualified doctor and taken within essential limits.
Muslims can eat from the food of people from earlier revelation unless their belief has been distorted to total atheism. If so, they are considered unbelievers and any meat they have prepared is unlawful to eat.
Some scholars see that Muslims living in non-Muslim countries should refrain from eating doubtful meat or food. Others permit it unless they are sure it was slaughtered unlawfully or involve what is forbidden.
Muslims who are resident in non-Muslim countries are not allowed to eat meat from animals slaughtered by unbelievers. It is also prohibited to eat any food that is mixed with such meat including the sauce.
In some greeting situations people bow to each other by lowering their heads or chests. But Muslims are not permitted to bow to each other or to non-Muslims. As it is a greeting of worship that is only offered to God.
The majority of scholars view that it is not permissible for Muslim men and women to shake hands if they are not related to each other. The other view permits shaking hands with elderly women if there is no temptation.
Some scholars permit that Muslims eat permissible animals slaughtered by people of earlier revelations if they live in non-Muslim countries. But electrically shocked animals are prohibited unanimously.
Muslim scholars have 2 opposite views on congratulating and joining non-Muslims on their religious feasts. The first view considers it forbidden. The other sees it permissible if they are at peace with Muslims
Muslim scholars have 2 different views on burying a Muslim in a coffin in societies where Muslims are minorities. The first discourages it and the second permits it in certain conditions as in case of soft land.
There are 3 views on the burial of Muslims in non-Muslim graveyards in non- Muslim countries. The first permits it as a matter of necessity, the 2nd is against, and the 3rd permits it in a special section for Muslims.
The mere smell of wine does not lead to intoxication and it is not considered as drinking as it does not cloud one’s mind. But it is preferable for a Muslim to avoid situations where he is surrounded by drunk people.
Scholars express different views on offering condolences to non- Muslim. Those who support it say that it is appropriate for a Muslim to condole a non-Muslim, as if they do not it may be interpreted as hostility.
If a Muslim commits a sin that carries a mandatory punishment it is preferable to keep it private, repent and ask for God’s forgiveness. If he insists to be punished, then this should be referred to a Muslim ruler.
Zakat is imposed by God and one of the 5 pillars of Islam while taxes are imposed by the rulers. They are totally different and most scholars agree that the payment of taxes does not exempt anyone from paying zakat.
Based on God’s word in Quran it is permissible for Muslims to request a non-Muslim to be a witness for him. And it is also permissible to witness for a non-Muslim at the court provided that the truth has been testified
A Muslim does not swear by any other Religious book than the Quran. In non-Muslim countries a Muslim may be required to swear by the Gospel in a court of law but it is forbidden, as what is distorted is not God’s words.
A Muslim in non-Muslim countries court might be asked to place his hand on the Torah or the Bible for oath. He must request to put his hand on the Quran; if his request is rejected then he might place his hand on them.
In non-Muslim countries where courts follow civil law, arbitration is the Islamic alternative to settle disputes. It is the proper channel in such cases and arbitration committee members should be of integrity
