Here is a good article from OnIslam.net on this issue:
Question.
Salam. I was wondering what I should be doing in this situation. At my job, someone I work with is a Buddhist. She is constantly talking about her religion and what she believes. She knows my religion and as a Muslim, I know I can't put down anyone else's religion. But is it haram (forbidden) to listen and nod politely when other people are talking about theirs and their beliefs? I always think in my mind that my beliefs and religion are true and I don't even think about what she is saying only to be polite. What can I do in this situation? Please help, Jazaka Allah.
Answer.
Salam Sister,
I pray to Allah to reward you for your awareness, and to guide you with His mercy to the best.
Instead of answering your question by focusing solely on the point you have raised, let us examine the broad picture in regards to this issue.
I assume that you are aware of the universality of Islam. Islam is the final message of Allah, with a discourse directed to all mankind; it is not a nationalist faith, and its mercy and good is not limited to Muslims. Allah says in the Noble Quran:
(Say: "O mankind! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of God...) (Al-A`raf 7:158)
Allah in the Quran described the duty of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as:
(O Messenger! proclaim the (message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord...) (Al-Ma'idah 5:67)
By being Muslims and belonging to the Muslim Ummah (nation), conveying the message to others becomes our duty as well. Allah says:
(Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind...) (Aal `Imran 3:110)
Allah also described the mission of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as:
(We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures.) (Al-Anbiyaa' 21:107)
Thus, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was the symbol of God’s mercy to all mankind. And because he is a mercy, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was kind to every one, believers and nonbelievers. He was kind and friendly to the nonbelievers of Makkah, despite of their violent opposition to Islam. He was also kind and friendly to those who followed him and supported his message.
The Prophet also had treaties with the Jews of Madinah. He respected these treaties until the Jews themselves broke them. Also he, with all manners of kindness, received in his mosque a Christian delegation from Najran. Although they argued with him about Islam, he even allowed them to pray in his mosque and returned them to Najran with honor and respect.
Allah firmly tells us what means:
(Ye have indeed in the Apostle of God a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in God and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of God.) (Al-Ahzab 33:21)
Consequently, it is among the qualities of good believers, to emulate the character of the Prophet, whom God Almighty has described in the Noble Quran as what means:
(And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character) (Al-Qalam 68:4)
Obviously, conveying the message of Islam requires an interaction with others. The best form of interaction is that which is based on friendship, justice, and mutual respect. Therefore, a Muslim is allowed to take a non-Muslim for a friend. Allah says what means:
(God forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loveth those who are just.) (Al-Mumtahanah 60:8)
A friendship based on sincerity, kindness, respect, and justice produces good results. It allows the non-Muslim friends, business partners, colleagues, and neighbors to see the values of Islam. This will definitely bring them closer to the right path. Many of those who opposed the Prophet (peace be upon him) and fought him, later embraced Islam and followed him, only because of the Prophet's morals and kind manners toward others!
Good manners in dealing with people, therefore, are among the recommended practices that have been emphasized by our faith. The Prophet said:
"I was sent to complete the best manners."
Islam teaches us that we should deal even with our enemies with the best of manners, let alone our non-Muslim friends, or those who simply disagree with us.
For instance, Allah commanded us not to curse other faiths or what the others worship:
(Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides God, lest they out of spite revile God in their ignorance...) (Al-An`am 6:108)
Allah even teaches us how to act politely when others disrespect Him and mock the faith of Islam, as described in the following verse:
(Already has He sent you Word in the Book, that when ye hear the signs of God held in defiance and ridicule, ye are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme...) (An-Nisaa' 4:140)
Hence, in such cases, Allah asked us to leave politely and kindly, not to curse or attack them back, even - more important, not to abandon their company forever. Instead, He said, we are allowed to go back to their company once they change the subject. Evidently, the wisdom behind this kindly act is to enable us to convey the message of Islam by obliging them to respect our faith, at least in our presence. This, in itself, is an important step towards conveying the message.
In conclusion, regarding your specific situation, I believe one should view acting with the best of manners as an Islamic obligation. These good manners are important tools in demonstrating the values of Islam and practicing da`wah. I also believe that when the opportunity arises, to explain Islam to others, it is an obligation to be seized, and should be done with wisdom and the best of words.
Allah knows best. Thank you and please keep in touch.
Salam.
Manners with Non-Muslims - Interfaith Issues - counsels - OnIslam.net