Islam gives much attention to People of the Book (i.e. CHristians and Jews), their holy books, their leading figures, and their places of worship. In more than one reference, the Qur’an calls for good treatment of followers of other religions. In the same concern, a Muslim is allowed to enter a non-Muslim place of worship without actual participation in any non-Muslim religious practice. In Jerusalem, it is reported that the second Caliph, `Umar ibn Al-Khattab, entered one of the churches but did not share or involve in any non-Muslim religious practice.
Dr. Muhammad Abu Laylah, professor of the Islamic studies and comparative religions, Al-Azhar University, illustrated: Muslims can enter other religious communities’ houses of worship, churches, or temples. But they are not allowed to share in the performance of their ritual activities that are not sanctioned by Islam. The Muslims also are allowed to attend non-Muslims’ funerals and to pay respect to their dead. We have an example from Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to support this. The Prophet once noticed a Jewish funeral passing by, and he stood up out of respect. One of his Companions said, “O Prophet, the dead person is a Jew!” The Prophet exclaimed, “Isn’t he a human soul!” The Muslims also can attend a gathering of supplications with non-Muslims or Allah’s praise with non-Muslims if it is directed toward Allah, not specifically to an idol. It is also allowed for a Muslim authority or a scholar to eulogize the non-Muslim deceased if the latter had done something good for humanity.