Authored by: Dr. Muhammad Ziaur Rahman A‘zami (رحمه الله)
Allah ﷻ has prohibited believers from establishing bonds of love, loyalty, fraternity, or support with the Jews, Christians, and other disbelievers, even if they are non-combatants (i.e., not actively hostile toward Muslims).
Allah ﷻ says:
لَا تَتَوَلَّوْا قَوْمًا غَضِبَ اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِمْ
“Do not take as allies those upon whom Allah's wrath has descended.”
(Surah al-Mumtahanah)
And again:
لَا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ..
“You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger…”
(Surah al-Mujadilah: 22)
Even if those individuals are their fathers, sons, brothers, or close relatives, true believers are not to harbor loyalty or affection toward the enemies of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
Allah ﷻ also says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا بِطَانَةً مِّن دُونِكُمْ..
“O you who believe! Do not take into your inner circle those who are not of you…”
(Surah Aal-Imran: 118–120)
This prohibits placing non-Muslims in close positions of trust, as they may harbor enmity that could lead to harmful consequences for the Muslim community.
However, Islam does not forbid kindness and just dealings with non-Muslims who are peaceful and do not fight Muslims in matters of religion.
Allah ﷻ says:
لَّا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ...
“Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who did not fight you because of religion nor expel you from your homes…”
(Surah al-Mumtahanah: 8–9)
Thus:
✔ Wilayah (Loyalty and Alliance) is prohibited.
✔ Birr (Kindness) and Qist (Justice) are allowed and encouraged with peaceful non-Muslims.
✔ Interaction through business, exchange of permissible gifts, and courteous relations are not equated with loyalty.
Muslims must maintain a distinct Islamic identity and firm loyalty to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, while still practicing justice and kindness with non-hostile disbelievers. Importantly, one must avoid alliance, emotional loyalty, or religious compromise in any form.
Fatwa Reference:
Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta, Fatwa No. 4246
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
❖ Clarification of the Term "Wilayah" (Friendship and Loyalty):
Allah ﷻ has prohibited believers from establishing bonds of love, loyalty, fraternity, or support with the Jews, Christians, and other disbelievers, even if they are non-combatants (i.e., not actively hostile toward Muslims).
❖ Qur'anic Evidence:
Allah ﷻ says:
لَا تَتَوَلَّوْا قَوْمًا غَضِبَ اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِمْ
“Do not take as allies those upon whom Allah's wrath has descended.”
(Surah al-Mumtahanah)
And again:
لَا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ..
“You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger…”
(Surah al-Mujadilah: 22)
Even if those individuals are their fathers, sons, brothers, or close relatives, true believers are not to harbor loyalty or affection toward the enemies of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
❖ Inner Circles and Disclosures:
Allah ﷻ also says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا بِطَانَةً مِّن دُونِكُمْ..
“O you who believe! Do not take into your inner circle those who are not of you…”
(Surah Aal-Imran: 118–120)
This prohibits placing non-Muslims in close positions of trust, as they may harbor enmity that could lead to harmful consequences for the Muslim community.
❖ Trade, Justice, and Kindness with Non-Combatants:
However, Islam does not forbid kindness and just dealings with non-Muslims who are peaceful and do not fight Muslims in matters of religion.
Allah ﷻ says:
لَّا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ...
“Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who did not fight you because of religion nor expel you from your homes…”
(Surah al-Mumtahanah: 8–9)
Thus:
✔ Wilayah (Loyalty and Alliance) is prohibited.
✔ Birr (Kindness) and Qist (Justice) are allowed and encouraged with peaceful non-Muslims.
✔ Interaction through business, exchange of permissible gifts, and courteous relations are not equated with loyalty.
❖ Balanced Approach:
Muslims must maintain a distinct Islamic identity and firm loyalty to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, while still practicing justice and kindness with non-hostile disbelievers. Importantly, one must avoid alliance, emotional loyalty, or religious compromise in any form.
Fatwa Reference:
Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta, Fatwa No. 4246
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
