*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
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 أَوۡنُنسِهَا 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 قَدۡبَدَتِ 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.
"Muhammad
(Sallalahu Aaihi Wa 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 ALLAH KNOWS BEST.
