There has been a common misconception by a few who associate Islam with terrorism, and claiming that this mode of extremism has been supported by Islam. To clear facts first, Islam is a peace loving religion and has always taught to forgive and, promote peace and harmony. It has always emphasized to promote peaceful relations among all human beings.
The following two verses of the Quran are sufficient for they provide comprehensive guidelines in this matter:
Al-Mumtahinah [60:8-9]
Allah does not forbid you, with regard to those who do not fight you on account of your religion nor drive you out of your homes, to treat them with goodness and to be just to them; truly, Allah loves those who are just. Indeed Allah forbids you (only) with regard to those who fight you on account of religion and drive you out of your homes, and assist (others) in driving you out, that you turn to them in (friendship), they are wrongdoers.
The first of these two verses not only calls for justice and fairness in dealing with non-Muslims who neither fight Muslims on religious grounds nor drive them out of their homes , but also argues Muslims to be kind to them. Notice that in this verse the term “BIRR” or “goodness” is used which is a term signifying that kindness and generosity which is over and above justice; the same term used to describe the Muslims duty to parents.
As I mentioned earlier, this verse calls for justice, as Allah says, “Allah loves who are just”[60:8], and a believer tries to do what is best for Allah.
Now relating to “Allah does not forbid you”[60:8], Allah wanted remove the misconception from our minds that all non-Muslims are not alike and that they do deserve good treatment and kindness from Muslims, and that we must show the true message of Allah, that which spreads kindness, love, peace and fairness among the non-Muslims .
Special Consideration for People of the Book
While Islam does not prohibit Muslims to be kind and generous to peoples of other religion, even idolators and polytheists, special regard is given to the people of the book, Jews and Christians. The Quran never addresses them without saying “O people of the book” or “O you who have been given the book,” indicating that they were originally revealed a Religion.
Ash-Shura[42:13]
He has ordained for (the Muslims) the same religion which He enjoined Noah, and that which We have revealed to thee (Muhammed) and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: that you should establish the faith and make no division in it…
Muslims are required to believe in the Books revealed by Allah, else they are not believers:
Al-Baqarah [2:136]
Say: We (Muslims) believe in Allah and in what He has revealed to us, and in what He revealed to Abraham and Ishmael, and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes (of Israel), and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the prophets by their Lord. We make no distinction between them, and to him we submit.
Consequently if the People of the book read the Quran, they will find in it praise for their books, messengers, and prophets.
If Muslims hold discussions with the people of the book, approaches that lead to bitterness and hostility should be avoided.
Al-'Ankabut[29-46]
And do not dispute with the people of the book except by (the way) which is best, unless it be with such of them as transgressors, and say, ‘We believe in what has been sent down to you, and our God and your God is one, and to Him we do submit’
And further evidence to this relationship is evident from this verse:
Al-Maidah [5:6(5)]
..The food of those who were given the Scripture (before you) is permitted to you and your food is permitted to them. And (lawful to you in marriage are) chaste women from among the Believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you….
This relates to the people of the book. However, Christians have been considered closer to the hearts of believers and given special status by the Quran.
Meaning of Friendship with Non-Muslims
Now some people argue : How can we show kindness , affection and good treatment to non-Muslims Since Allah says:
Al-Maidah [5:54-55(51-52)]
O ye who believe, do not take the Jews and Christians as friends; they are the friends of (only) each other. And whoever among you turns to them is certainly one of them; indeed, Allah does not guide the people who do wrong. Yet thou seest those in whose hearts is a disease racing towards them…
The answer to this is that this verse should not be applied unconditionally to all non-Muslim. Furthermore, I would like to take to the first verse I introduced here in this Blog – “Allah does not forbid you” [60:8], clearly indicating that not all non-believers are to be taken the same way, else this would contradict the message of affection and kindness to the peace-loving people said in the Quran. At the same time you are not suppose to support or help people who are hostile to Islam and make war upon Muslims. Furthermore, said in the Quran :
Al-Mumtahinah [60:1]
O ye who believe, do not take my enemy and your enemy as friends, offering them affection, even though they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth, driving out the messenger and yourselves because you believed in Allah, you Lord…
This was revealed in connection to the Pagans in Makkah, who drove the Muslims out of their homes because they believed in “Our Lord is Allah”. With this type of people friendship is not possible. Yet despite this, in the same surah, Allah Ta’ala says not to be disappointed for there will a better day with improved relations.
Al-Mumtahinah [60:7]
It may be that Allah will bring about affection between you and those who are your enemies from among them. And Allah is All-Powerful, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful
The Quranic statement assures that this hostility and bitterness will pass away. Also it is stated in Hadith:
Reported by Tirmidi
Hate your Enemy mildly; he may become your friend one day.
On a final note, I would like to add,
Al Maidah [5 : 48]
"..To each among u Have We prescribed a law and an open way. If god so had willed he would have made you a single people, but (his plan is) to test you in what he hath given you : so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to God; It is he that will show u the truth of matters in which ye dispute "
By origin mankind were a single people or nation. That being so, God could have kept us alike. But in his wisdom, he gave us diversity in these things, not only at any given time, but in different periods and ages. This tests our capacity for unity still more, and accentuates the need for unity and Islam
