Important note regarding Muslims' friendship with Non-Muslims
The Qur'an does not say that non-Muslims cannot be Muslims' friends, nor does it forbid Muslims to be friendly to non-Muslims. There are many non-Muslims who are good friends of Muslim individuals and the Muslim community. There are also many good Muslims who truly and sincerely observe their faith and at the same time they are very friendly to many non-Muslims. 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 Surah al-Ma'idah, "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'idah 5:8) In another place in the Qur'an, Allah 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 60:8-9) Allah has described Prophet Muhammad 
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 Mecca and fought them only when they fought him. He made treaties with the Jews of Medina and honored the treaties until they broke them. There are many examples from his life that show that he was the most friendly person to all people.
The correct translation of the verse (Ayah) in Chapter 5 (Surah al-Ma'idah) of The Quran 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." (5:51). It is obvious that Jews patronize 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.
Ibn Katheer in his Tafseer has mentioned that some scholars say that this verse of Surah al-Ma'idah was revealed after the Battle of Uhud when Muslims had a set back. At that time a Muslim from Medina said, "I am going to live with Jews so I shall be safe in case another attack comes on Medina." And another person said, "I am going to live with Christians so I shall be safe in case another attack comes on Medina." So Allah revealed this verse reminding the Believers that they should not seek the protection from others, but should protect each other.
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. This includes all Jews today and all Christians who support Israel or any kind of attack against Muslims. 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 wrongdoers." (al-Tawbah 9:23) 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 the oppression of the so-called Muslims. The Prophet said that he himself will be the plaintiff of 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 solve their problems among themselves. Allâh says: "Let not the Believers take the unbelievers as their patrons over against the Believers…" (Aâl 'Imrân 3:28). So, everyone believes that Kuwait had the right to ask The West for help against Iraqi Muslims, is obviously not Muslim. Allâh says: "O you who believe! Take not for patrons unbelievers rather than Believers. Do you wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?" (al-Nisa' 4:144)
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06.11.2010, 23:12
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