the meaning of the Ayahs, of the consideration of their meanings, and of seeking help for that from the discussion of the scholars known for their knowledge, honesty and leadership. The meaning of this verse, according to what the Qur'an commentators said and based on its clear words, is that the Christians are nearer in love to the believers than the Jews and the polytheists, and it does not mean that they befriend the believers or the believers befriend them. Even if it is assumed that the Christians love the believers and show their love to them, it is not permissible for the people of faith to
love them and to take them as allies and supporters, because Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has prohibited them from that in the abovementioned Ayahs, such as His saying: O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliyâ' (friends, protectors, helpers)
And: You (O Muhammad ﺻﻠﻰ ﺍﷲ ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﻭﺳﻠﻢ) will not find any people who believe in Allâh and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad ﺻﻠﻰ ﺍﷲ ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﻭﺳﻠﻢ) There is no doubt that the Christians are from those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, who throw His legislation behind their back and those who belie Him and His Messenger, upon him is the best prayers and peace. Then, how is it allowed for those who believe in Allah and the Last Day to love them or to take them as mates? We seek refuge with Allah against disgrace and being obedient to our whims and Satan.
Another caller to Nationalism claim that Allah (Exalted be He) has permitted taking the disbelievers who do not expel us from our homes as allies, and brought to evidence Allah's saying: Allâh does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allâh loves those who deal with equity.
Like the one before it, it is invalid citing of evidence; interpretation of the Qur'an by personal opinion and an explanation of the verse in discordance with its true meaning. It is noted that, in the decisive Ayahs mentioned above, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has prohibited taking the disbelievers as allies and taking them as inmates, and He did not differentiate between their kinds nor between those who fight against us or those who do not fight against us. Then, how is it allowed for a Muslim to say about Allah what He has not said or to bring details according to his own opinion without being evidenced by the Book nor by the Sunnah? Exalted and Sublime is Allah, how Forbearing He is! According to the people of knowledge, the meaning of the verse is that the permissibility of kindness to the disbelievers and giving them charity is stipulated by having peaceful coexistence with us agreed upon in a treaty or a covenant of protection. Moreover, it is authentically reported in the Sunnah what refers to that, such as that reported in the Sahih that the mother of Asma' bint Abu Bakr came to her in Madinah during the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), while the mother was still a polytheist, seeking a worldly benefit from her, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded Asma' to keep a good relationship with her mother. This happened during the truce which was concluded between the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the people of Makkah. Furthermore, it is authentically reported from
the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he had given 'Umar a silken Jubbah (a long outer garment, open in front with wide sleeves) and 'Umar gave it as a gift to his brother in Makkah who was a Mushrik. Thus, such an act and similar acts are mere kindness which might be the cause of urging them to embrace Islam, hoping for it and preferring it to other religions. Such an act also includes keeping a good relationship with kith and kin and a generosity to the needy, and this benefits Muslims and does not harm them. Moreover, it is not regarded as taking the disbelievers as allies and supporters in anything. These facts are not ambiguous to those of sound understanding and insights.