MUSLIMS RELATING WITH NON-MUSLIMS IN THE SOCIETY_

MUSLIMS RELATING WITH NON-MUSLIMS IN THE SOCIETY_

{AL-WALAA WAL-BARAA (ALLIANCE AND DISAVOWAL)}

ASSEMBLED BY MALLAM ABBA ABANA, KUBWA, ABUJA, NIGERIA

http://variousislamicdawadocuments.blogspot.com

https://web.facebook.com/abba.abana

emails:gonidamgamiri@yahoo.com; abba.abana@gmail.com

(WHATSAPP +2347050892339 & +2349083040481)

SUNDAY 13 AUGUST 2017 CE AND 21 DHUL QADA 1438 AH

 

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah. As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu.

Praise be to Allaah; we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (Sallalhu alaihi Wasalam) is His slave and Messenger.

PREAMBLE

The teachings of Islaam require from the Muslim a certain set of attitude and behaviour towards other people in society. Muslims are expected to interact with everyone responsibly, sincerely and in a meaningful way.

Among the people the Muslims have to relate with in varying circumstances with the non-Muslims. Relating with non-Muslims particularly poses many problems for most Muslims. How does he differentiate between the demands of the Shariah not to have love for the non-Muslims and another requirement to be nice and fair to them?

 

ON ABROGATION OF VERSE

(١٠٥) ۞ مَا نَنسَخۡ مِنۡ ءَايَةٍ أَوۡ نُنسِهَا نَأۡتِ بِخَيۡرٍ۬ مِّنۡہَآ أَوۡ مِثۡلِهَآ‌ۗ أَلَمۡ تَعۡلَمۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ (١٠٦)

Whenever We abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or equal to it. Do you not know that Allah has power over all things? (Holy Quran Chapter 2:106)

---

HOW IS AHMAD, MENTIONED BY ALLAH HIMSELF? HE IS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH, MUHAMMAD SALLALHU ALAIHI WA SALAAM.

(٥) وَإِذۡ قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ يَـٰبَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيۡكُم مُّصَدِّقً۬ا لِّمَا بَيۡنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةِ وَمُبَشِّرَۢا بِرَسُولٍ۬ يَأۡتِى مِنۢ بَعۡدِى ٱسۡمُهُ ۥۤ أَحۡمَدُ‌ۖ فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ قَالُواْ هَـٰذَا سِحۡرٌ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬ (٦)

And when 'Isa son of Maryam said, 'Tribe of Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, confirming the Torah which came before me and giving you the good news of a Messenger after me whose name is Ahmad.' When he brought them the Clear Signs, they said, 'This is downright magic.' (Holy Quran Chapter 61:6)

---

AFFECTION in islam

۞ لَتَجِدَنَّ أَشَدَّ ٱلنَّاسِ عَدَٲوَةً۬ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱلۡيَهُودَ وَٱلَّذِينَ أَشۡرَكُواْ‌ۖ وَلَتَجِدَنَّ أَقۡرَبَهُم مَّوَدَّةً۬ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا نَصَـٰرَىٰ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ بِأَنَّ مِنۡهُمۡ قِسِّيسِينَ وَرُهۡبَانً۬ا وَأَنَّهُمۡ لَا يَسۡتَڪۡبِرُونَ (٨٢)

You will find that the people most hostile to those who believe are the Jews and the idolaters. You will find the people most affectionate to those who believe are those who say, 'We are Christians.' That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant. (Holy Quran Chapter 5:82)

(٢٤) وَقَالَ إِنَّمَا ٱتَّخَذۡتُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡثَـٰنً۬ا مَّوَدَّةَ بَيۡنِكُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يَكۡفُرُ بَعۡضُڪُم بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَيَلۡعَنُ بَعۡضُڪُم بَعۡضً۬ا وَمَأۡوَٮٰكُمُ ٱلنَّارُ وَمَا لَڪُم مِّن نَّـٰصِرِينَ (٢٥)

He (Ibrahim) said, 'You have adopted idols apart from Allah as tokens of mutual affection in this world. But then on the Day of Rising you will reject one another and curse one another. The Fire will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.' (Holy Quran Chapter 29:25)

(٢٠) وَمِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦۤ أَنۡ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَزۡوَٲجً۬ا لِّتَسۡكُنُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيۡنَڪُم مَّوَدَّةً۬ وَرَحۡمَةً‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ (٢١)

Among His Signs is that He created spouses for you of your own kind so that you might find tranquillity in them. And He has placed affection and compassion between you. There are certainly Signs in that for people who reflect. (Holy Quran Chapter 30:21)

ON HATRED in islam

(١١٧) يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ بِطَانَةً۬ مِّن دُونِكُمۡ لَا يَأۡلُونَكُمۡ خَبَالاً۬ وَدُّواْ مَا عَنِتُّمۡ قَدۡ بَدَتِ ٱلۡبَغۡضَآءُ مِنۡ أَفۡوَٲهِهِمۡ وَمَا تُخۡفِى صُدُورُهُمۡ أَكۡبَرُ‌ۚ قَدۡ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ (١١٨)

You who believe! Do not take any outside yourselves as intimates. They will do anything to harm you. They love what causes you distress. Hatred has appeared out of their mouths, but what their breasts hide is far worse. We have made the Signs clear to you if you use your intellect. (Holy Quran Chapter 3:118)

(١٣) وَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا نَصَـٰرَىٰٓ أَخَذۡنَا مِيثَـٰقَهُمۡ فَنَسُواْ حَظًّ۬ا مِّمَّا ذُڪِّرُواْ بِهِۦ فَأَغۡرَيۡنَا بَيۡنَهُمُ ٱلۡعَدَاوَةَ وَٱلۡبَغۡضَآءَ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ‌ۚ وَسَوۡفَ يُنَبِّئُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَصۡنَعُونَ (١٤)

We also made a covenant with those who say, 'We are Christians,' and they too forgot a good portion of what they were reminded of. So We stirred up enmity and hatred between them until the Day of Rising when Allah will inform them about what they did. (Holy Quran Chapter 5:14)

(٦٣) وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَہُودُ يَدُ ٱللَّهِ مَغۡلُولَةٌ‌ۚ غُلَّتۡ أَيۡدِيہِمۡ وَلُعِنُواْ بِمَا قَالُواْ‌ۘ بَلۡ يَدَاهُ مَبۡسُوطَتَانِ يُنفِقُ كَيۡفَ يَشَآءُ‌ۚ وَلَيَزِيدَنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنۡہُم مَّآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ طُغۡيَـٰنً۬ا وَكُفۡرً۬ا‌ۚ وَأَلۡقَيۡنَا بَيۡنَہُمُ ٱلۡعَدَٲوَةَ وَٱلۡبَغۡضَآءَ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ‌ۚ كُلَّمَآ أَوۡقَدُواْ نَارً۬ا لِّلۡحَرۡبِ أَطۡفَأَهَا ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ وَيَسۡعَوۡنَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَسَادً۬ا‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ (٦٤)

The Jews say, 'Allah's hand is chained.' Their hands are chained and they are cursed for what they say! No! Both His hands are open wide and He gives however He wills. What has been sent down to you from your Lord increases many of them in insolence and disbelief. We have incited enmity and hatred between them until the Day of Rising. Each time they kindle the fire of war, Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. (Holy Quran Chapter 5:64)

(٤٢) وَنَزَعۡنَا مَا فِى صُدُورِهِم مِّنۡ غِلٍّ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہِمُ ٱلۡأَنۡہَـٰرُ‌ۖ وَقَالُواْ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى هَدَٮٰنَا لِهَـٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِنَہۡتَدِىَ لَوۡلَآ أَنۡ هَدَٮٰنَا ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ لَقَدۡ جَآءَتۡ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۖ وَنُودُوٓاْ أَن تِلۡكُمُ ٱلۡجَنَّةُ أُورِثۡتُمُوهَا بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ (٤٣)

We will strip away any rancour in their (the believers') hearts. Rivers will flow under them and they will say, 'Praise be to Allah Who has guided us to this! We would not have been guided, had Allah not guided us. The Messengers of our Lord came with the Truth.' It will be proclaimed to them: 'This is your Garden which you have inherited for what you did.' (Holy Quran Chapter 7:43)

(٤٦) وَنَزَعۡنَا مَا فِى صُدُورِهِم مِّنۡ غِلٍّ إِخۡوَٲنًا عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ۬ مُّتَقَـٰبِلِينَ (٤٧)

We will strip away any rancour in their (the heedful's) hearts-brothers, resting on couches face-to-face (amid Gardens and Springs). (Holy Quran Chapter 15:47)

وَٱلَّذِينَ جَآءُو مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَلِإِخۡوَٲنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ وَلَا تَجۡعَلۡ فِى قُلُوبِنَا غِلاًّ۬ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ (١٠) ۞

Those who have come after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and do not put any rancour in our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord, You are All-Gentle, Most Merciful.' (Holy Quran Chapter 59:10)

قَدۡ كَانَتۡ لَكُمۡ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ فِىٓ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُ ۥۤ إِذۡ قَالُواْ لِقَوۡمِہِمۡ إِنَّا بُرَءَٲٓؤُاْ مِنكُمۡ وَمِمَّا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ كَفَرۡنَا بِكُمۡ وَبَدَا بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمُ ٱلۡعَدَٲوَةُ وَٱلۡبَغۡضَآءُ أَبَدًا حَتَّىٰ تُؤۡمِنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَحۡدَهُ ۥۤ إِلَّا قَوۡلَ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ لِأَبِيهِ لَأَسۡتَغۡفِرَنَّ لَكَ وَمَآ أَمۡلِكُ لَكَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىۡءٍ۬‌ۖ رَّبَّنَا عَلَيۡكَ تَوَكَّلۡنَا وَإِلَيۡكَ أَنَبۡنَا وَإِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ (٤)

You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people, 'We wash our hands of you and all that you worship apart from Allah, and we reject you. Between us and you there will be enmity and hatred for ever unless and until you believe in Allah alone.' Except for Ibrahim's words to his father: 'I will ask forgiveness for you but I have no power to help you in any way against Allah.' 'Our Lord, we have put our trust in You and have repented to You. You are our final destination.' (Holy Quran Chapter 60:4)

(٢) إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ ٱلۡأَبۡتَرُ (٣)

It is the one who hates you who is cut off without an heir. (Holy Quran Chapter 108:3)

SECTION 2.0 MUSLIMS RELATING WITH NON-MUSLIMS IN THE SOCIETY

Allaah says:

"O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as friends. They are but friends to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them." (Holy Quran Chapter 5. 51)

In the same vein, Allaah says: "Allaah forbids you not, with regards to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allaah loves those who are just." (Holy Quran Chapter 60.8)

From the above few verses of the Qur'an, it is clear that what is unlawful is to have close friendship and intimacy (muwalat) with non-Muslims, even if they were related to one. However, at the individual level one should treat non-muslims with generosity, compassion and concern. The dislike of their (dis)beliefs should not prompt a Muslim to treat them unfairly.

TWO CATEGORIES OF RELATING WITH NON-MUSLIMS

However, for the purpose of personal relationship, it is important to point out that non-Muslims fall into two categories and they should be treated accordingly.

First Category is the hostile. Non-Muslim who is constantly at war against Islaam, in particular, and against all Muslims. He seeks to harm them by any means available to him. Muslims are required to be hard against such non-Muslims. Allaah says:

"Muhammad (Sallalahu Aaihi W Saaam) is the Messenger of Allaah, and those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves." (Holy Quran Chapter 48.29)

However, if there is any benefit in being soft to him such as his accepting Islam or Muslims being free from his harm, then that should be done.

The second group is the non-Muslim who does not oppose us nor does he evidently show his aversion for Islam and Muslims. Such a person should enjoy cooperation of the Muslims for the purpose of common good. However, the cooperation we show to non-Muslims must never get to the level of intimacy and love.

FOUR STAGES OF RELATING WITH NON-MUSLIMS

Friendship with non-Muslims is categorized into four levels and stages:

MUWALAT OR MAWADDA: This means to have close and intimate relationship and deep love and affection from one's heart. This kind of relationship is reserved only for Muslims; hence it will not be permitted for a Muslim to have this type of friendship with non-Muslims.

MUDARAT: This means to express friendship and love only outwardly without having love for them and their beliefs internally. It is a mere outward expression of the first stage (muwalat), hence it entails being pleasant, friendly, polite and kind towards non-Muslims. It involves expressing good manners, courtesy and good behaviour towards fellow human beings.

This kind of relationship with non-Muslims is permitted, as it is reserved for all human beings, whether Muslim or non-Muslim. This becomes even more important when the objective is to safeguard one's self from potential harm, invite them' towards Islam or when they are one's guests. However, if one fears corrupting his religious values, then this type of friendship will not be permitted with non-Muslims.

MUWASAT: This means to help, assist and benefit non-Muslims. It includes charitable help and support, condolences and consolations, and removing harm, such as giving water to a thirsty non-Muslim or food to someone who is hungry. This is also permitted with all types of non-Muslims except those who are directly at war with Muslims.

MU'AMALAT: This means to deal, transact and trade with non-Muslims even if he is at war with you! This is permitted with all non-Muslims except when it is harmful to Islam and Muslims in general.

The above clearly illustrate the need for Muslims to be moderate with regards to their interaction with non-Muslims. Based on this, the following represent a summary of the framework for Muslim relationship with non-Muslim.

GIVING AND ACCEPTING GIFTS FROM NON-MUSLIMS

This is permissible based on the action of the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) and his companions. Umar bin AI-Khattab (RA) gave a silken cloath to his pagan brother to wear. (Bukhari) Also, in the battle of Tabuk, the king of 'Aila (a non-Muslim) presented a white mule and a cloath as a gift to the Prophet." (Bukhari)

As far as giving and accepting gifts during the period of non-Muslim religious festivals is concerned, such as at the 'time of Christmas, Easter, etc., this would not be permissible. Same for giving something that is connected to their religious festival, such as a Christmas tree. '

IT IS PERMISSIBLE TO INVITE THEM FOR FOOD AND TO ACCEPT THEIRS

It is permitted to invite a non-Muslim for dinner at one's house occasionally due to strengthening family ties or other social ties. Without such a need, one should avoid making it a habit. Similarly, it will be permitted to accept such an invitation from a non-Muslim, provided one is sure that the food is Halal and no other unlawful activities are taking place.

Anas bin Malik (RA) narrated that a Jewess brought a poisoned (cooked) sheep for the Prophet who ate from it. She was brought to the Prophet and he was asked, "Shall we kill her?" He said, "No." I continued to see the effect of the poison on the palate of the mouth of Allah's Messenger." (Bukhari)

Ibn Qudama (RAH) said it is permissible to accept the invitation of a non-Muslim by eating at his house (Mugni)

DO NOT ATTEND THEIR RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS

It would not be permitted for a Muslim to attend the religious festivals and, ceremonies of non-Muslims, as this would entail approving of their disbelief (kufr) and their religion. The Messenger of Allaah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) forbade Muslims from even offering their own Salaat at the time of sunrise, zenith and sunset, for there was an element of outwardly resembling the sun-worshippers.

YOU MAY VISIT A SICK NON-MUSLIM

There is nothing wrong in visiting a non-Muslim who is ill, whether a Christian or Jew as long as no violations to Islam are expected. This is even more imperative if they are relatives, neighbours or there is possibility that visiting them may soften their hearts towards Islaam. Anas (RA) narrated: "A young Jewish boy used to serve the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) and he became sick. So the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) went to visit him. He sat near his head and asked him to embrace Islam. The boy looked at his father, who was sitting there; the latter told him to obey Abul-Qasim and the boy embraced Islam, The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) came out saying:

"Praises be to Allah Who saved the boy from the 'Hell-fire." (Bukhari)

OFFERING CONDOLENCES AT THE TIME OF BEREAVEMENT

It is permissible to visit a non-Muslim to offer one's condolences for a family bereavement. It is equally permissible to offer prayer for the family such as saying "May God recompense you with someone; better and honour you 'with lslam.. ." Remember that you cannot pray for a dead non-Muslim: Allaah says:

"It is not for the Prophet and those who believe to pray for the forgiveness of idolaters even though they may be near of kin after it has become clear that they are people of Hell-Fire." Holy Quran Chapter 9.113)

ATTENDING THEIR FUNERAL CEREMONY

Funeral rite is essentially a religious rite and it is not permissible to participate in religious burial rites of non-Muslim especially when it entails praying for the deceased non-Muslim. However, if the deceased is a non-Muslim parent, relative, neighbor, or associate, it is permissible to facilitate their burial by members of their faith.

STANDING UP FOR A NON-MUSLIM OUT OF RESPECT

It is not permissible to stand up (to greet) anyone. However, for some diplomatic reason, such as the hope of the non-Muslim accepting Islam or preventing enmity and hatred, it may be done!

SHAKING HANDS, WITH NON-MUSLIMS

There is nothing wrong in shaking hands of a Christian (i.e. non-Muslim) neighbour (and other associates). However, one should not initiate the shaking and ensure not to commit anything else unlawful, such as shaking the hands of a non-Mahram of the opposite gender.

CAN WE GIVE ZAKAT AND LOT OTHER CHARITIES TO NON-MUSLIMS?

Other than those whose heart are inclined to Islaam, there is scholarly consensus (ijma') that Zakat cannot be given to non-Muslims. The Messenger of Allaah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) specified that Zakaat is to be taken from amongst the wealthy Muslims and distributed amongst the poor Muslims. (Bukhari)

However, it is permitted to help and assist -needy non-Muslims by giving them other forms of charity, as this would -be a form of showing them kindness and dealing justly with them commanded by Allaah, the Most High in the Qur'an. Yes, if it is feared that the money will be 'Used against Islam and Muslims, then one must not give them any charitable assistance. AND ALAH KNOWS BEST.