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Strongest In Enmity to Muslims?
Saleema
10/06/01 at 20:36:49
[slm] "Strongest among men in enmity to the believers (Muslims) wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, 'We are Christians': because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.   (Quran, 5:82)" Not too long ago someone had said on the board that Allah says in the Quran that the Jews are to be hated the most or something like that. Please forgive me if I have quoted you wrong. I know that we are *not*, absolutely *not* told to hate the Jews in the Quran. However this verse says that the Jews despise *us* the Muslims most and that the Christians are closest to friendly terms with us. So, anyone care to elaborate on this? What do the scholars say about this? [wlm]

Re: Strongest In Enmity to Muslims?
bhaloo
10/07/01 at 01:18:23
slm Quran 5:82-86 82      Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say: "We are Christians:" because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world and they are not arrogant. 83      And when they listen to the revelation received by the Apostle thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears for they recognize the truth: they pray: "Our Lord! we believe; write us down among the witnesses. 84      "What cause can we have not to believe in Allah and the truth which has come to us seeing that we long bor our Lord to admit us to the company of the righteous?" 85      And for this their prayer hath Allah rewarded them with gardens with rivers flowing underneath their eternal home.  Such is the recompense of those who do good. 86      But those who reject faith and belie our Signs they shall be companions of hell-fire. Ibn Kathir's tafsir of this says: The Reason behind revealing these ayat: Said bin Jubayr, As-Suddi and others said that these ayat were revealed concerning a delegation that An-Najashi (King of Ethiopia) sent to the Prophet (SAW) in order to hear his words and observe his qualities.  When the delegation met with the Prophet (SAW) and he recited the Quran to them, they embraced Islam and cried and were humbled.  Then they returned to An-Najashi and told him what happened.  [At-Tabari 10:499,500] Ata bin Abi Rabah commented, "They were Ethiopians who embraced Islam when the Muslims who migrated to Ethiopia resided among them."  Qatadah said, "They were some followers of the religion of Isa, son of Maryam, who when they saw Muslims and heard the Quran they became Muslims without hesitation." (At-Tabari 10:501)  Ibn Jarir said these ayat were revealed concerning some people who this description, whether they were from Ethiopia or otherwise. Allah said, "Verily , you will find the strongest among men in enmity to the believers the Jews and those who commit Shirk,.." This describes the Jews, since their disbelief is that of rebellion, defiance, opposing the truth, belittling other, people and degrading the scholars.  This is why the JEws killed many of their Prophets and tried to kill the Messenger of Allah several times, as well as performing magic spells against him and poisioning him.  They also incited thier likes among the polytheists against the Prophet (SAW). Allah's statement, "And you will find the nearest in love to the believers those who say : "We are Christians." refers to those who call themselves Christians, who follow the religion of the Messiah and the teachings of his Injil.  These people are generally more tolerant of Islam and its people, because of the mercy and kindness that their hearts acquired through part of the Messiah's religion.  In another Ayah, Allah said: "And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him, compassion, mercy, and monasticism..." [Quran 57:27] In their book is the saying; "He who strikes you on the right cheek, then turn the left cheek for him." And fighting was prophibited in their creed, and this is why Allah said, "That is because among them are Qissisin (preists) and Ruhban (monks), and they are not proud." This means thatamong them are Qissisin (priests).  The word Ruhban refers to one dedicated to worship.

Re: Strongest In Enmity to Muslims?
bhaloo
10/07/01 at 01:23:16
slm I think this Q&A session with Dr. Siddiqi is related to the your concern Saleema. Muslims' Friendship with Non-Muslims Q 1. A Greek Christian friend of mine came to me and said that he wanted a book that guides the way a man should live. I offered him the Qur'an. He took deep interest in reading it until he came across: " 5:54 O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily God guideth not a people unjust." To which he asked "why is that so?" Why is your book telling you that we can't be your friends? Does that mean I can't be your friend? And at his request I am seeking help from you to throw some light on it. I too am confused by this. And if that is so then why does Islam allow us to marry Christian and Jewish girls (Despite the fact they might not want to change their religion.) Please reply soon. (Adnan Malik, U.K.) Dr. Siddiqi answered: A 1. 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 -peace be upon him- 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 Makkah and fought them only when they fought him. He made treaties with the Jews of Madinah and honored the treaties until they broke them. He received the Christians of Najran with kindness in his Masjid in Madinah. They argued with him about Islam, but he returned them with honor and respect. There are many examples from his life that show that he was the most friendly person to all people. In the ayah that you quoted the word "awliya" is used. It is a plural and its singular is "wali". The correct translation of the word "wali" is not "friend" but it is someone who is very close and intimate. It is also used to mean "guardian, protector, patron, lord and master". In the Qur'an this word is used for God, such as "Allah is the Protector (or Lord and Master) of those who believe. He takes them out from the depths of darkness to light…" (al- Baqarah 2:257) There are many other references in the Qur'an that give this meaning. The same word is also sometime used in the Qur'an for human beings, such as "And whosoever is killed unjustly, We have granted his next kin (wali) the authority (to seek judgement or punishment in this case)…" (al-Isra' 17:33). The correct translation of the ayah in Surah al-Ma'idah 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." (al-Ma'idah 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 ayah 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 Kathir in his Tafsir has mentioned that some scholars say that this ayah of Surah al-Ma'idah was revealed after the Battle of Uhad when Muslims had a set back. At that time a Muslim from Madinah said, "I am going to live with Jews so I shall be safe in case another attack comes on Madinah." And another person said, "I am going to live with Christians so I shall be safe in case another attack comes on Madinah." So Allah revealed this ayah reminding the Believers that they should not seek the protection from others, but should protect each other. (see Ibn Kathir, Al-Tafsir, vol. 2, p. 68) 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. 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 wrong-doers." (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 -peace be upon him- 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 try to solve their problems among themselves. Allah says, "Let not the Believers take the unbelievers as their patrons over against the Believers… (Al 'Imran 3:28) "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)
NS

Re: Strongest In Enmity to Muslims?
Arsalan
10/07/01 at 01:55:47
off topic i know, but ... what is "shahwar"??? saleema, would you care to shed some light on this? :)

Re: Strongest In Enmity to Muslims?
bhaloo
10/07/01 at 02:17:00
salaam [quote]off topic i know, but ... what is "shahwar"??? saleema, would you care to shed some light on this? :)[/quote] I was wondering the same thing and was going to ask it earlier.  Maybe she just did a typo or misspelled something?

Re: Strongest In Enmity to Muslims?
Saleema
10/07/01 at 13:10:05
[slm] :) It's a name. it means "string of pearls"  :) [wlm]
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