العروة الوثقى الزيدية - موقع إسلامي يهدف لتعريف الزائر بفكر وتراث المسلمين الزيدية

The Answer

Answer: This is permissible, and indeed it is preferable not to neglect it. The Messenger (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace) practiced this; it is reported that he spread a garment for a disbeliever and seated him upon it, and that al-Hādī (Peace be Upon Him) mentioned Ad-da'am during the Friday sermon.
In this regard, Allah Almighty says: “So by mercy from Allah, you were lenient with them. And if you had been harsh, hardened of heart, they would have dispersed from around you; so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter…” [Āl ‘Imrān:159]. Allah commanded His Prophet (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace) to honor those of weak faith who, out of heedlessness, commit many sins, by bringing them closer, consulting them in affairs, not holding them accountable for minor transgressions, and praying for their forgiveness.
 It is also reported that the Prophet (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace) shrouded ‘Abdullah ibn Abi in his cloth, although Abdullah was a leading hypocrite; the Prophet (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace) did this to reform his people and draw them toward Islam and the prophet of Islam (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace).
 However, it is not permissible to exalt someone in a way that is impermissible—such as lying about him, or praying for mercy or forgiveness for someone who is openly sinful, disbelieving, or hypocritical.
 Permissible forms of exalting include standing when he enters a gathering, giving him space, visiting him at home, greeting him respectfully if he is elderly or learned, addressing him with his honorific (e.g., “Abu So-and-So”), accepting gifts and hospitality, or seeking his counsel.
From this, it is narrated that on the day of the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace) said: “Whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan is secure.”

Source: Min Thimār al-ʿIlm wa al-Ḥikmah vol.3