Question:
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullah,
Mufti Sahib,
In the Qur’an, there are Aayats mentioning that Muslims are not to take disbelievers as Auliyaa and that when Muslims meet them, they must be firm with them. Imam al-Baihaqi (Rahmatullah ‘Alayh) also mentions two chapters in his Shu’bul Iman about keeping one’s distance from disbelievers and also showing determination in the face of the enemy.
What I am having trouble reconciling are the Aayats that mention speaking kindly to mankind and the above Aayats and narrations that mention one must be firm with the disbelievers (i.e. should one be firm and stern with disbelievers, for example at one’s school or work). The reason why some Muslims are harsh with disbelievers in North America (which as a result repels these people who have not been exposed to Islam and only further convinces them of what their press is telling them) is because they may not understand how to reconcile between these Aayats and as such, take the literal meaning of the Aayat and are harsh with everyone who is not Muslim.
Jazakumullah Khairan,
Wa’alaikum as-salaam,
Answer:
There are many Aayaat in the Qur’an relating to the subject of unsociable relations with the disbelievers. In Surah Mumtahinah, verse 1 Allah (S.W.T) mentions: “O you who believe! Do not take My enemy and your enemy for friends, that you extend friendship to them when they have denied the true religion which has reached you. They have exiled the messenger and even you, because you bring faith in Allah, your Cherisher. If you have set forth to wage Jihad in My cause and to seek My pleasure, (then why do) you secretly offer friendship to them, when I am more aware of what you conceal and what you disclose. And whoever among you does that, indeed he has strayed from the even path.”
In some verses Allah (S.W.T.) has given a stern warning against those who befriend the Kuffaar “O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and Christians as allies; they are allies of one another. And whosoever among you befriends them, indeed he is of them. Really Allah does not guide the unjust nation.” (Surah Ma’edah, Verse 51)
On the other hand there are many Aayaat, teachings and dealings of Nabi (S.A.W.) and a number of incidents promoting hospitality towards the disbelievers.
Apparently it may seem as if the teachings of Shari’ah contradict one another, but this is not so. It is we who have failed in studying the flawless laws and teachings of the Qur’an.
The relationships between two persons or two groups of people are of different natures.
The first and strongest bond is that of Muwaalaat, which is a heartily relationship. The type of relationship one has with family, a Sheik (spiritual mentor) or close friends. To maintain such a relation with a disbeliever is Haraam under all circumstances and its unlawfulness is proven from many Aayaat of the Qur’an, a few of which have been stated above.
The second is that of Muwaasaat which is of a lesser degree than Muwaalaat. Muwaasaat can also be termed as an inferior form of friendship. This sought of association is only permissible with those disbelievers who are not involved in harming the Muslims in anyway. In Surah Mumtahinah, verse 8 Allah (S.W.T.) mentions: “Allah does not forbid you from being kind and being just to those who neither fought with you over the religion nor drove you out of your homes. Really Allah loves those who are impartial.”
The third is called Mudaaraat. This is an outward relationship. One is allowed to have such a relationship with all disbelievers if ones intention is to have a positive impact on them, if they are your guests or in order to be free from their mischief.
The fourth is that of Mu’aamalaat. This relationship is based on business, employment etc. This form of association is permissible with all disbelievers on condition no harm is caused to the believers through this business, project etc.
From the above explanation we conclude that the Qur’an prohibits us from having a sincere, hearty relationship with all disbelievers or such a relationship which could be detrimental to our Deen or Muslims around the globe. (Ma’aariful Qur’an, Vol. 2, Page 49-50-51)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Ebrahim bin Zainul Abedeen Backus
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
12 February 2005
03 Muharram 1426