My child asks, “Will my non-Muslim friends go to hell?” How should I answer?
Bloomtivo answers
Answer honestly and gently: “Only Allah judges people, and He is the most fair and knows everything about every person. Our job isn’t to judge anyone. Our job is to be kind, honest and a good friend, and to show them what Islam is through our manners.” Back it with Quran 60:8, which encourages kindness and fairness to peaceful non-Muslims.
Reviewed by Omar Saeed, Bloomtivo teacher · Updated
↓ The full answer
Children in UK schools have close friends of every faith. This question usually comes from love and worry, not judgement.
What to say, by age
Age
Answer
5–8
“Allah decides, and Allah is always fair. We don’t decide about anyone. We just love our friends and are kind to them.”
9–12
“Allah knows everything about every person: what they knew, what they heard about Islam, what was in their heart. He is the Judge, not us. Our job is to be the best friend and the best example of Islam.”
13+
Explain the belief clearly and honestly, and that Islam leaves judgement of individuals to Allah, while asking us to share the message with wisdom and good manners. For detailed questions, a trusted local scholar can help.
What the Quran says about our friends
Allah does not forbid us from being kind and fair to those who have not fought us because of our religion (Quran 60:8). And there is no compulsion in religion (Quran 2:256).
What not to say
Don’t tell your child to stop being friends with non-Muslim children.
Don’t say “Yes, they will” about a specific person. That is not ours to say.
Don’t brush the question off; it will come back.
Turn worry into action
Make dua for your friends to be guided and happy.
Be honest, kind and fair with them.
If they ask about Islam, answer simply and kindly.
Teacher’s tip: remind your child that the Prophet ﷺ had kind relationships with non-Muslim neighbours, and that good manners have brought many people to Islam.
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