Relations with Non-Muslims in Islam

The Quran and Sunnah make the position of Islam on relations between Muslims and Non-Muslims abundantly clear. This position is summarized in Quran 60:8-9 which says, "As for such ( of the unbelievers) as do not fight against you on account of (your) faith, and neither drive you forth from your homelands, God does not forbid you to show them kindness and to behave towards them with full equity: for verily, God loves those who act equitably.

God only forbids you to turn in friendship towards such as fight against you because of (your) faith, and drive you forth from your homelands , or aid (others) in driving you forth: and as for those (from among you) who turn toward them in friendship, it is they, they who are truly wrongdoers!"

"The expression 'God does not forbid you' implies in this context a positive exhortation .: In other words, Muslims are enjoined to relate with non-Muslims amicably, with kindness and with justice, unless they are hostile, persecute or drive Muslims out of their homes .

It further reaffirms that Muslims should not even engage them in argument "except in a most kindly manner" (Q.29:46). Ibn al-Jawzi says, "This verse permits association with those who have not declared war against the Muslims and allows kindness towards them, even though they may not be allies."

In his Tafsir(commentary) on Q.60:8, Imam Al-Qurtubi said :
The majority of commentators have agreed that this verse has not been abrogated. They cited the story reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim of Asma bint Abubakr when she asked the Prophet SAW if she could receive and be kind to her Non-Muslim mother whom visited her in Medina and the Prophet SAW said 'Yes'.

It was said that this verse was revealed in this specific incident. Al-Mawardi and Abu Dawood reported that Amir ibn abdullah ibn Al-Zubair narrated that his father told him that , before accepting Islam, Abubakr divorced his wife Qatila , the mother of Asma.

When the truce was held between the Prophet SAW and the pagans of the Quraish, the mother visited her daughter in Medina and brought her a pair of earrings and other gifts. Asma was reluctant to accept the gifts before asking the Prophet SAW. In answer to her question,Allah revealed this verse (i.e. Q.60:8).

Tabari further explains that , " The most credible view is that the verse refers to people of all kinds of creeds and religions who should be shown kindness and treated equitably. Allah referred to all those who do not fight the Muslims or drive them out from their homes, without exception or qualification."

When it comes to social relationships , which fall under the category of muamalat (social interactions) , the principles of jurisprudence
(fiqh) stands that everything is permissible except there is an explicit and decisive verse from the Quran or Sunnah Mutawatir stipulating otherwise.



Wallahu'alam