Muslims' relations with Jews/Christians

Society Religion & Philosophy
21

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by smooth_guy: *

Sir I said, since Crusades the intensity in ties between two religions have increased. Before it had never been Christianity vs Islam or Judaism vs Islam. The verse might have been indicating the Crusades in the future, some 300 years later. There must have been something which Allah warned us about. After all it were Jews who attempted to kill several prophets and rejecting any revealition that was not sent directly towards them.

Madhanee, chup karke betha rahe khamoshi se. We are not talking about Mirja here. Its not ur business.
[/QUOTE]
All that discussion on crusades etc is your opinion, thats fine. My point was that you are lumping all jews and christians in one scoop. Reconsider that approach and read the relevant ayats again to get a better understanding of what the Almighty is saying.

22

^ To add to the above...

"Among the People of the Book are some who, if entrusted with a hoard of gold, will (readily) pay it back; others, who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless you constantly stood demanding..." (Qur'an 3:75)

... so not all people are the same

23

I know what you're saying Faisal, neither I believe that every Jew and Christian is my or Islam's enemy. What I was trying to say is that this particular interpretation of the verses began or strengthen since Crusades. Its just another view of this issue, as its growing very fast both in Muslims and western world as well. And whenever the differences between two religions are discussed or the aforementioned verses from Quran are quoted, crusades always come into the consideration.

24

300 years after the scripture was revealed and 1000 years after the crusades - and still when differences are discussed - "crusades always come into the consideration"?. Perhaps you should have more discussions with educated people living in this millenia. I guess you are not one of those who lament the oft-mentioned Holocaust since it was a mere 60 years ago?

25

[QUOTE]
Originally posted by smooth_guy: *
this particular interpretation of the verses **began* or strengthen since Crusades.
[/QUOTE]
I don't want to nit pick here, but I believe that there were valid examples of relationship between christians/jews and muslims during the time of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that provide ample guidance on what and how to interpret these ayats. We don't really have to go all the way to Crusades to 'start' a new interpretation.

26

Sem, I am talking in general. Didn't u hear W's unintentionally mentioned crusade against terrorist. Or on the other side Muslims using term modern crusades for the current conflict with west.

Perhaps the history tells us the tension started since Crusades. If those wars didn't happen, there might be a better relationship with each other and we might not be hearing these verses used to justify the hatred for Christians. IMO.

27

If people are holding 1000 year-old grudges for something a majority of Christians don't even know or care anything about is a waste of energy and totally irrevelant in today's world. By living in the past you will have no present or future.

28

I don't think I've ever seen a more futile post (not that the verse is futile or the Quran o twisters-of-my-words) - you've addressed a post to Musharraf.

You think he comes on here to check his PM's every day that he's going to read this and be moved to take your side in political theology?

Sometimes you people surprise me.

Okay, so you get up....out of the chair parked in front of the computer...go to your family...hold a conversation with one of them...then go outside and take a walk....then go to sleep....

and stop using GS as if you're writing a letter to the President of Pakistan - that's delusional!

29

For you it might not, but I just presented the few examples. Need more prove of it watch The World According to Bush and you would know what is happening behind the curtain of civilization and human rights championship. I think you will believe it more than my words since its your government officials, CIA directors, UN officials and former Army generals that are unveiling the intentions of HOLY WAR maniacs in Bush I & II administrations.

30

Prophet Mohammad had good relations with christians. like Najashi king of habsha (now ethopia). Did he voilate this verse from Koran?

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[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Robert: *
Prophet Mohammad had good relations with christians. like Najashi king of habsha (now ethopia). Did he voilate this verse from Koran?
[/QUOTE]

najashi converted to islam...

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No he did not. Even if he did, he must have done it later. At one point, he was friends to muslims while being christian. Infact he said that difference between christanity and islam is finer than a line. At that point, or before that Prophet Mohammad was willing to be friends with a christian empire and thats why they send Jaffer to habsha to begin with. Not to convert najashi but to ask for political asylum.

33

Exellent question Robert .....(I can not resist….please, I am not making fun of your name its just that I like the sound of this name Robert, its reminds of that old indian film with the villain named Robert, he was such an actor, Pran would always call him RAbeRt)...

So please continue ...

34

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Robert: *
No he did not. Even if he did, he must have done it later. At one point, he was friends to muslims while being christian. Infact he said that difference between christanity and islam is finer than a line. At that point, or before that Prophet Mohammad was willing to be friends with a christian empire and thats why they send Jaffer to habsha to begin with. Not to convert najashi but to ask for political asylum.
[/QUOTE]

he DID convert, yes it was well after the migration to habsha. any how i just wanted to clear that up. the ayah doesnt mean we show enemity to them or something, but just dont get too intimate in our friendship with them, as in forsaking muslims for them. wallah o alahm

35

Live and let live my friends.

36

I think Allama Iqbal’s famous sheir is a good reference here:

Apnee millat par qias akwaam-e-maghrib sei na ker
Khaas hei tarkeeb mei qaum-e-rasool-e-Hashmi :saw:

(Don’t look towards the West to solve your nation’s problems. Its because Hazrat Muhammad :saw: 's ummah is exceptional or different in its making.)

What the quoted and the related Ayah’s convey is the fact that we should not seek wisdom and guidance from Christians, Jews or any other religion. We, as Muslims, already have clear cut instructions for every aspects of our lives – social, personal, politics, education, internation, war etc.

I think no sane Muslim believes that we should fight with Christians and Jews for the sake of their different religious identities. Ofcourse, we should treat them nicely and should even try to impress them with the character imparted to us by our religion (remember how Sufia-a-Karaam spread Islam in the subcontinent). There is no point in going after a conflict for the sake of conflict.

At the same time, we should not forget that we have suddle differences with the non-Muslims. What we believe in is what they negate and what we reject is what they believe in. It is realizable that, as a result of this, we will have differences in opinions, approach and aspirations regarding our present and future. There will be conflict and clash of interests too. We have seen that happening in the past, starting from the time of Hazrat Muhammad :saw:. In view of all this, the important point is to stand firm on our religion in the event of a conflict, even if it takes to fight or resist the opponents physically.

  • Our top priority, as Muslims, is submission to Allah :swt: and to seek his approval.
  • Hazrat Muhammad :saw: is the one closest to Allah :swt:, so following in his footsteps will actually bring us closer to Allah :swt: (Al-e-Imran, verse 13).

Good relations and friendship with Christians and Jews should never be at the sake of these two things. Our goal is to please Allah only. I think that is the basic conflict in the two approaches towards non-Muslims.

37

i think a lot of quran's verses do not make sense WHEN you take them out of context. they are stated speficially at certain incidents and most ppl just use them out of context and think they know what they are talking about.

38

Islam doesn't prohibit personal friendships with Jews and Christians or any other people. Islam however clearly prohibits forming alliance with the Jews, Christians and other non-Muslims. The only alliance a Muslim is allowed to form is with Allah Almighty, our Prophet peace be upon him (when he lived 1400 years ago), and the Muslim Believers.

39

Islam teaches us that we should be friendly to all people. Islam teaches us that we should deal even with our enemies with justice and fairness. Allah says in the Qur'an in the beginning of the same Surat Al-Ma’dah: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as witnesses to fair dealings and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just, that is next to piety. Fear Allah, indeed Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (Al-Ma’dah :8)

In another place in the Qur'an, Allah Almighty says:

“Allah forbids you not with regard to those who fight you not for your faith, nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them. For Allah loves those who are just. Allah only forbids you with regard to those who fight you for your faith, and drive you out of your homes and support others in driving you out, from turning to them for protection (or taking them as wali). Those who seek their protection they are indeed wrong- doers.” (Al-Mumtahinah: 8-9)

Moreover, Allah Almighty has described Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, as "a mercy" to the worlds. He was a sign of Allah's Mercy to all, Muslims as well as non-Muslims. In his kindness and fair treatment he did not make any difference between the believers and non-believers. He was kind to the pagans of Makkah and fought them only when they fought him. He made treaties with the Jews of Madinah and honored the treaties until they broke them.

He, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have received the Christians of Najran with kindness in his Masjid in Madinah. They argued with him about Islam, but he returned them with honor and respect. There are many examples from his life that show that he was the friendliest person to all people.

In the verse you quoted, the word "Awliya" is used. It is a plural and its singular is "wali". The correct translation of the word ""wali"" is not "friend" but it is someone who is very close and intimate. It is also used to mean "guardian, protector, patron, lord and master".

In the Qur'an this word is used for God, such as “Allah is the Protector (or Lord and Master) of those who believe. He takes them out from the depths of darkness to light…” (Al- Baqarah: 257)

There are many other references in the Qur'an that give this meaning. The same word is also sometimes used in the Qur'an for human beings, such as “And whosoever is killed unjustly, We have granted his next kin "wali" the authority (to seek judgement or punishment in this case)…”(Al-‘Isra' :33)

The correct translation of the verse in Surat Al-Ma’idah is: “O you who believe! Do not take Jews and Christians as your patrons. They are patrons of their own people. He among you who will turn to them for patronage is one of them. Verily Allah guides not a people unjust.” (Al-Ma'dah :51)

It is obvious that Jews patronize the Jews and Christians patronize the Christians, so why not Muslims patronize Muslims and support their own people. This verse is not telling us to be against Jews or Christians, but it is telling us that we should take care of our own people and we must support each other.

In his Tafsir, (Qur’an exegesis) Imam Ibn Kathir has mentioned that some scholars say that this verse (i.e. the one you referred to) was revealed after the Battle of Uhud when Muslims had a set back. At that time, a Muslim from Madinah said, "I am going to live with Jews so I shall be safe in case another attack comes on Madinah." And another person said, "I am going to live with Christians so I shall be safe in case another attack comes on Madinah." So Allah revealed this verse reminding the believers that they should not seek the protection from others, but should protect each other. (See Ibn Kathir, Al-Tafsir, vol. 2, p. 68)

Muslims are allowed to have non-Muslims as friends as long as they keep their own faith and commitment to Islam pure and strong. You are correct in pointing out that a Muslim man is also allowed to marry a Jewish or Christian woman. It is obvious that one marries someone for love and friendship. If friendship between Muslims and Jews or Christians was forbidden, then why would Islam allow a Muslim man to marry a Jew or Christian woman? It is the duty of Muslims to patronize Muslims. They should not patronize any one who is against their faith or who fights their faith, even if they were their fathers and brothers. Allah says: “O you who believe! Take not for protectors (awliya') your fathers and your brothers if they love unbelief above faith. If any of you do so, they are indeed wrong-doers.” (Al-Tawbah : 23)

In a similar way, the Qur'an also tells Muslims that they should never patronize the non-Muslims against other Muslims. However, if some Muslims do wrong to some non-Muslims, it is Muslims duty to help the non-Muslims and save them from oppression . The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said that he himself will defend a Dhimmi living among Muslims to whom injustice is done by Muslims. But Islam also teaches that Muslims should not seek the patronage of non-Muslims against other Muslims. They should try to solve their problems among themselves. Allah Almighty says, “Let not the Believers take the unbelievers as their patrons over against the Believers…” (Aal-'Imran :28)

He Almighty also says: “O you who believe! Take not for patrons unbelievers rather than Believers. Do you wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?” (An-Nisaa’:144)

Allah Almighty knows best.