Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Recently I attended a Hamza Yusuf talk, and I found some of his understanding very extreme in befriending disbelievers. I totally understand that we all are the children of Adam A.S and we should invoke Allah, for Guidance and Jannah for all of mankind. But, if there is no Guidance for certain kuffar we should also Invoke Allah SWT, to remove those whom Allah will never guide, so that they do not become a Fitna for rest of mankind. Hope that also is the understanding of Hamza Yusuf.
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate
May His blessings and peace be on His Beloved Prophet, the best of creation, and his family, companions, and followers
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
I don’t know what Shaykh Hamza Yusuf (Allah preserve him) said. If your question is regarding his words, please ask him. It appears that you may have misunderstood what the Shaykh was saying, or missed the context.
Shaykh Hamza seems to have been pointing us to be concerned about ourselves, and our relation to our Lord, rather than harboring false pride in being believers, especially when we lack the fruits faith: humility, piety, and practice in accordance with the guidance of the Beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace).
As for befriending disbelievers,’ there is a clear distinction made between those whom one takes as one’s general close companions in lifethese should generally be Muslimsand those whom one works or associates closely with when there is clear benefit or need (whether personal or social).
In a non-Muslim society, Muslims need strong communities in which deep ties of brotherhood and sisterhood exist among the believers. At the very same time, it is essential for Muslims to be active members of the society that live in, promoting the good in all meaningful ways.
It is important to have respect and love for the scholars of Sunni Islam, and to understand their words as they meant them, not as our emotions and passions dictate.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani