The word friends appears twice in this verse. One represents the Arabic word awliya, meaning protectors, those responsible in the sight of the law, parents, owners, or rulers. The other is the word yatawallahum. This also means to assume the care of, take command of, or to assume the administration of. The word friend in this verse therefore bears the meaning of rule. Allah tells Muslims not to enter under the rule of Jews and Christians. In other words, the meaning of this verse is not, as some people say, that we should not enjoy good relations with Jews or Christians. It is perfectly natural for a Muslim society not to have a Jewish or Christian leader. Since both sides will act in the light of their own beliefs, a Jew by his beliefs and a Christian by his, and a Muslim will act in the light of his beliefs, situations that conflict with Muslim beliefs will inevitably arise, so this provision is totally normal. But apart from that, Muslims have very close relations with the People of the Book. A Muslim can marry a woman from the People of the Book. For example, our Prophet (saas) himself married a woman who is a member of the People of the Book. One can go to their weddings and funerals, eat their food, do business with them and live side by side with them as friends and brothers. This can clearly be seen in the practices of our Prophet (saas).
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 13:02:24 +0000
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