The issue of where Islam stands on Muslims and non-Muslim friends is a hot topic for me as someone who loves her faith but doesn’t live in a Muslim country and has friends of many different faiths. I found a great article on the topic at islamonline that helps clarify the issue and dispel some of the media myths about Islam being insular.
It opens by emphasizing that Islam urges all Muslims to deal kindly and justly with all people and to have good relations with all people of all faiths in all contexts. I have always felt that our faith is factor that unites people and naturally paves the way for friendship and community, yet it is neither exclusive nor discriminatory.
Good Muslims, Good Friends
I particularly like the response to this question by Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, President of the Fiqh Council of North America:
“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 are very friendly to many non-Muslims at the same time.”
The wise Dr. goes on to state that Islam teaches us friendship to all people and justice and fairness when dealing with our enemies, as quoted in the Qur’an:
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 (Al-Ma’dah 5:8).
I really admire the sense of fairness and justice in our faith. The Qur’an also states that if Muslims do wrong to some non-Muslims, it is Muslims’ duty to help the non-Muslims and save them from oppression.
A Role Model for Kindness and Mercy
Dr Siddiqi reminds us that Allah Almighty described Prophet Muhammad as “a mercy” to the worlds, and a sign of Allah’s mercy to all men, be they Muslims or non-Muslims.
This being said, we live in troubled times. This is where the article suggests drawing on inner strength is essential, taking care of our own people and supporting each other.
In short, I agree wholeheartedly with its treatment of this tricky subject.
I am comforted to know that Muslims are allowed to have non-Muslims as friends as long as they keep their own faith and commitment to Islam pure and strong. Along the same lines, it’s every Muslim’s duty to support other Muslims and those of other faiths, as long as we are not supporting a person who fights our faith.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi. Greetings of peace. I have very close Iranian friends, and I am quite interested about what the Qur’an teaches about Muslims having Christian friends. I am a devout Christian and I myself truly love my devout Iranian friends. I have not discussed this matter with them but I hope to have your insight about Al-Ma’dah 5:51 says:
“O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.”
Can you enlighten me about this? Should I stop myself from having friendship with them because they may not be aware that they are sinning in this particular passage?
Dear Glenn,
The Quran was revealed to the Prophet saws over 23 years, during this time there were many wars, such verses as this are taken out of context. It doesn’t actually mean “friend” when translated it means “ally”, so during this time Jews and Christians were allies against the Muslims and horrible acts were committed against Muslims. It doesn’t mean friends. It means these people from this particular group.
Of course you can stay close with your friends, the Prophet saws had non-Muslims friends and Islam is about peace and love – we must be friendly and have good relationships with non-Muslims.
Hope this helps.
Peace.