Can I do a homestay with a non-Muslim family abroad?

Living with non-Muslims is not the problem

Islam does not ask you to avoid non-Muslims. Many converts already live with non-Muslim parents, and Muslims have studied and traded in non-Muslim lands for centuries. A homestay is simply a guest arrangement: you pay, you are treated kindly, and you treat your hosts kindly in return. Good manners as a guest can be one of the best pictures of Islam your host family ever sees. See Can I study abroad as a Muslim?

Food: the main thing to sort out

Most homestay meals are cooked by the family, so tell the agency and the family early that you don't eat pork or drink alcohol, and that you only eat meat that is halal. Many families are happy to cook fish, eggs, vegetarian dishes or buy halal meat if they know in advance.

Scholars differ on whether ordinary supermarket meat in Christian countries counts as "food of the People of the Book". The majority say it doesn't unless it is slaughtered properly, so the safe route is halal or vegetarian. Also ask that wine isn't used in your portion of sauces. See How do I find halal food while traveling?

Prayer, privacy and modesty

• Prayer: a clean corner of your bedroom is enough. Explain briefly what you are doing so nobody is surprised.
• Wudu: ask if it's okay to wash your feet in the bathroom sink, and wipe up afterwards.
• Privacy: choose a placement with your own room and a lock if you can. Sisters may prefer a family without adult sons living at home, or a female-only host.
• Alcohol and pets: you can live where others drink or keep a dog. You just don't drink, and you wash if a dog's saliva touches you. See What if my roommate drinks alcohol?

When to say no to a placement

Ask the agency for a different family if you would have to share a bedroom with someone of the opposite gender, if the family refuses any food adjustments, or if you would be pushed to join church services or parties with drinking. A good host respects your beliefs as you respect theirs.