Can a disbeliever be a friend to a Muslim?

[QuranSearchCom]

As'salamu Alaikum Everyone,

I have updated the following articles with the below details:

www.answering-christianity.com/quran_moral_code.htm  (see entry #203)
www.answering-christianity.com/friends.htm


You may take a disbeliever as a companion صاحب (saahib).  A صاحب can be your neighbor, workmate, classmate, friend (he is not a brother in faith) احسانا وبذي القربى واليتامى والمساكين والجار ذي القربى والجار الجنب والصاحب.  See Noble Verse 4:36.

Even if your parents relentlessly call you to become an apostate or an infidel, do not follow them, but still be kind to them and be their companion صاحب (saahib).وان جاهداك على ان تشرك بي ماليس لك به علم فلا تطعهما وصاحبهما في الدنيا معروفا.  See Noble Verse 31:15.
 

A  صاحب (saahib) can be a disbeliever: قال له صاحبه وهو يحاوره اكفرت بالذي خلقك من تراب ثم من نطفة ثم سواك رجلا.

[018:037] His companion صاحبه said to him, during the talk with him: "Do you disbelieve اكفرت in Him Who created you out of dust (i.e. your father Adam), then out of Nutfah (mixed semen drops of male and female discharge), then fashioned you into a man?


Also, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was addressed as the صاحب (saahib) of the both the believers and disbelievers in Noble Verses 34:46, 53:2, 81:22.

A Muslim man can also marry a Jewish or Christian woman.  Also, some of the people of the Book (Jews and Christians) are from among the blessed ones.  See Noble Verses 5:5, 3:199, 3:113-114.  More proof that having a life friendship with disbelievers is permitted.

However, the disbelievers may not be your allies without or against the Believers.  And if he's hostile towards Islam, then you must end your relationship with him (4:89, 2:193, 58:8-9, 29:46, 60:8 ).

Be forgiving to those who disagree with your faith who are not hostile.  Show kindness to them.  Pardon people.  Restrain your anger.  And be just.  See Noble Verses 5:8, 60:8, 5:2, 4:58, 4:135, 7:159, 5:44, 2:62, 3:134, 7:199, 15:85, 5:13, 2:109, 24:22, 45:14, 76:7-10, 90:11-17, 2:177, 2:215, 17:26.


The above points were all based on the following Noble Verses:
4:36, 31:15, 18:37, 29:8, 31:15, 58:22, 34:46, 53:2, 81:22, 3:28, 3:118, 5:51, 5:57-59, 4:139, 9:23, 5:5, 3:199, 3:199, 3:113-114, 4:89, 2:193, 58:8-9, 29:46, 60:8, 5:8, 60:8, 5:2, 4:58, 4:135, 7:159, 5:44, 2:62, 3:134, 7:199, 15:85, 5:13, 2:109, 24:22, 45:14, 76:7-10, 90:11-17, 2:177, 2:215, 17:26.

Take care,
Osama Abdallah

[fadi]

Wa Alaikum As'salam,

I have read your article and I have few comments regarding item 3  in www.answering-christianity.com/friends.htm

Please note that Allah said in verse (3:199) “لَمَن يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ”: those who believe in Allah (God) and what was revealed to you. When anyone from Jews and Christians (believe in what was revealed to Prophet Mohammad “Quran”), they become Muslims and are no longer Jews or Christians. Allah meant in this verse that there will be Muslims from the Jews and Christians people. As we all see today that there are Jews and Christians who are converting to Islam, and therefore they become Muslims and are not Jews or Christians any more.

Allah said in verses (3:113-114) “وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ”: enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong. When Allah said that they enjoy what is right, He meant what is right according to what He sent to Mohammad i.e. 5 daily prayers, fasting Ramadan, etc. Once they do good deeds according to what was sent to Mohammad “Quran”, they become Muslims.

They must believe in Mohammad, honour him and follow what is sent to him “Quran” to enter paradise.
(7:157) Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honour him, and help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are the successful.

Please note that I am not an expert in Islam and I am only expressing my thoughts. If you believe that my thoughts are incorrect, please explain to me. However, I totally agree with you that Muslims must be friends with Jews, Christians, and all other nations who don’t harm us. I am talking here about peaceful citizens, not their governments.

Jazak Allah Khair,
With great respect,