Mosque and other questions

[bluesky83]

Are people who are not muslims allowed to go to a mosque? What should I wear if it is acceptable to attend one. Are there special rules and things you must do or should know before going? I would really like to attend one, I think it would help me come to a better understanding of Islam. Also, is it true that you are not supposed to befriend non-believers if you are muslim? In Islam is it a belief that all non-belivers are put to eternal damnation or are there exceptions (such as people who never had the opportunity to learn Islam)?

 

[Ansar Al-'Adl]

Hello bluesky83,
Thank you for your questions

Are people who are not muslims allowed to go to a mosque?

Of course; the proof of this is that the Prophet Muhammad pbuh recieved the christian delegation from Najrân in the Mosque as well as one from Ta'îf on another occasion. Sometimes non-muslims would learn about Islam from staying in the Mosque and seeing how Muslims practice their religion and interact with one annother, as in the case of Thumâmah ibn Uthal.

Here's an article about visiting mosques:
http://www.modernmuslima.com/tomasjid.htm

Also, is it true that you are not supposed to befriend non-believers if you are muslim?

This is a misunderstanding. Islam actually encourages its adherents to maintain good sociable relations with their non-muslim colleagues and neighbors. At the same time, Islam reserves the bond of Wilayah (guardianship) for Muslims; read more here:
http://www.load-islam.com/artical_d...ection=wel_islam&subsection=Misconceptions#19

In Islam is it a belief that all non-belivers are put to eternal damnation or are there exceptions (such as people who never had the opportunity to learn Islam)?

Exactly as you have said, one is only accountable for accepting the message of Islam if they recieve it properly.

Peace

 

[Ubaidah]

In Islam is it a belief that all non-belivers are put to eternal damnation or are there exceptions (such as people who never had the opportunity to learn Islam)?

That is a great question, and one I was going to pose. Great answer Ansar.