Taking unbelievers as friends to avoid harm

[Mubashir]

3:28
(Asad) LET NOT the believers take those who deny the truth for their allies in preference to the believers - since he who does this cuts himself off from God in everything - unless it be to protect yourselves against them in this way. But God warns you to beware of Him: for with God is all journeys' end.

(Shakir) Let not the believers take the unbelievers for friends rather than believers; and whoever does this, he shall have nothing of (the guardianship of) Allah, but you should guard yourselves against them, guarding carefully; and Allah makes you cautious of (retribution from) Himself; and to Allah is the eventual coming.

(Yusuf Ali) Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution, that ye may Guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah.

(Progressive Muslims) Let not the believers take the rejecters as allies instead of the believers. And whoever does so will have nothing with God; for you are to be cautious of them as they deserve. And God warns you of Himself, and to God is the destiny.

(Rashid Khalifa) The believers never ally themselves with the disbelievers, instead of the believers. Whoever does this is exiled from GOD. Exempted are those who are forced to do this to avoid persecution. GOD alerts you that you shall reverence Him alone. To GOD is the ultimate destiny.

Above translations show that believers must not take unbelievers as friends in preference to other believers. Except if forced by circumstances. If we do not keep in mind that these verses were revealed 1400 years ago when there was a major conflict going on between believers and unbelievers (and the believers being conspired against overtly and covertly) we are forced to ask ourselves what to do in this day and age?

We live among disbelievers in Muslim majority countries and in countries where Muslims are in minority. Can we not reach out in a friendly way to disbelievers? Can we not inter act with them and influence them with proper Islamic behaviour? What if they reach out to us? Are we to shun them? Or are we to pretend we are friendly with them and indugle in hypocritical behaviour.

As you will notice some translators seem to suggest that yes, we can be friendly to them (in preference to believers) if we are forced by circumstances as a way of precaution.  Would this not generate the feeling of mistrust among unbelievers thinking that these seemingly friendly Muslims are deep down acting against their beliefs but they are not being honest?

Would appreciate any comments to help understand 3:28 in the correct manner.

[Joseph Islam]

Dear Mubashir,

As-salam alaykum

Verse 3:28 that you have kindly shared as well others such as 5:51 cannot be read in isolation. This theme is clarified in other verses where the prohibition is only against those that are bent on making a mockery out of the religion and causing strife.

Please kindly note below:

005:057
"O ye who believe! take not for friends / allies / protectors (awliyaa) those who take your religion for a mockery or sport / ridicule or fun (huzuwan wala'iban), whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject faith; but fear ye God, if ye have faith (indeed)"

The same word 'awliyaa' has been used but the context has been clearly elucidated against those who are deemed 'trouble-makers'.

Those who have never shown any difficulty or animosity whether from the People of the Book or Disbelievers, one is only expected to show them kindness and deal with them justly.

060:008
"God does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely God loves the doers of justice"

As I trust that you will appreciate, many verses of the Quran are elaborated in other parts of the Quran and any 'summary' verses should always be understood in light of the more elucidatory verses.

I hope that helps, God willing

Regards,
Joseph.

[Mubashir]

Thanks for your response Br Joseph

This underscores the neccessity to read the Qur'an as a whole. Besides:

60:08 God does not forbid you to act considerately towards those who have never fought you over religion nor evicted you from your homes, nor [forbid you] to act fairly towards them. God loves the fairminded.

[Sardar Miyan]

AOA br Mubashir  Pl tell me if you are Mubashir Inayat. Thanks

[QM Moderators Team]

Dear brother Sardar

Salaam.

Brother Mubashir has already answered your question which you asked on another post. Please see below.

Br Mubashir, Salam, If I am not inquisitive are Mubashir Inayat ? Thanks

Salam Br Sardar

Yes, you guessed right, I am Mubashir Inayet.

The original link is:
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=257.15

See reply #18

Thanks.
Moderator.




UPDATE BY QM FORUM MODERATOR

4th July 2013

This thread is now closed and a direct link to this post is now available at the dedicated Q&A page.

http://quransmessage.com/articles/q&as%20FM3.htm

Thanks.

[Joseph Islam]

Dear readers,

Please also see a related post:

Do not take the disbelievers as allies ?
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=1183.msg5503#msg5503

With peace and regards,
Joseph