Authored by: Dr. Muhammad Ziaur Rahman A‘zami (رحمه الله)
Islam clearly distinguishes between faith-based brotherhood and mere social interaction. A Muslim's brotherhood is confined to fellow believers. The Qur'an and the Sunnah define this relationship.
Allah ﷻ states:
إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ
“Indeed, the believers are but brothers.”
(Surah al-Hujurat: 10)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6591; Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2580/58)
This means that non-Muslims—be they Jews, Christians, idolaters, fire worshippers, atheists, or communists—are not brothers in faith. Hence, it is not permissible to take them as intimate friends or companions.
If a non-Muslim happens to share a meal incidentally—for example, during a general invitation or public event—it is not blameworthy, provided there is no deliberate act of companionship or friendship involved.
But to intentionally adopt a non-Muslim as a close friend, confidant, or companion, or to habitually share meals and develop bonds, is impermissible. This is because Allah has severed bonds of loyalty and love between believers and disbelievers.
Allah ﷻ says:
قَدْ كَانَتْ لَكُمْ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ فِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ..
“Indeed, there has been an excellent example for you in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah…”
(Surah al-Mumtahanah: 4)
And:
لَا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ... يُوَادُّونَ مَنْ حَادَّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ
“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 relatives, loyalty to faith takes precedence.
While enmity in faith must be maintained, injustice and harm against them is strictly forbidden. Thus, it is impermissible to wrong them, harm them, or oppress them in any way.
At the same time:
✦ Do not take them as friends,
✦ Do not share intimacy or affection,
✦ Do not engage in heart-based companionship,
except in cases of necessity or incidental occurrences, and without any form of religious or emotional affiliation.
Shaykh Ibn Baz, Noor ‘ala ad-Darb, Vol. 1, Page 370
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
❖ Introduction:
Islam clearly distinguishes between faith-based brotherhood and mere social interaction. A Muslim's brotherhood is confined to fellow believers. The Qur'an and the Sunnah define this relationship.
❖ Brotherhood Defined:
Allah ﷻ states:
إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ
“Indeed, the believers are but brothers.”
(Surah al-Hujurat: 10)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6591; Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2580/58)
This means that non-Muslims—be they Jews, Christians, idolaters, fire worshippers, atheists, or communists—are not brothers in faith. Hence, it is not permissible to take them as intimate friends or companions.
❖ Permissible Situations of Interaction:
If a non-Muslim happens to share a meal incidentally—for example, during a general invitation or public event—it is not blameworthy, provided there is no deliberate act of companionship or friendship involved.
But to intentionally adopt a non-Muslim as a close friend, confidant, or companion, or to habitually share meals and develop bonds, is impermissible. This is because Allah has severed bonds of loyalty and love between believers and disbelievers.
❖ Qur’anic Prohibitions:
Allah ﷻ says:
قَدْ كَانَتْ لَكُمْ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ فِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ..
“Indeed, there has been an excellent example for you in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah…”
(Surah al-Mumtahanah: 4)
And:
لَا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ... يُوَادُّونَ مَنْ حَادَّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ
“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 relatives, loyalty to faith takes precedence.
❖ Obligations Toward Disbelievers:
While enmity in faith must be maintained, injustice and harm against them is strictly forbidden. Thus, it is impermissible to wrong them, harm them, or oppress them in any way.
At the same time:
✦ Do not take them as friends,
✦ Do not share intimacy or affection,
✦ Do not engage in heart-based companionship,
except in cases of necessity or incidental occurrences, and without any form of religious or emotional affiliation.
❖ Summary:
- Brotherhood and companionship are exclusive to believers.
- Casual interaction is not prohibited if not based on friendship or affection.
- Faith-based loyalty and disassociation must be clearly maintained.
- Muslims must adhere to the balance of justice without compromise in creed.
Shaykh Ibn Baz, Noor ‘ala ad-Darb, Vol. 1, Page 370
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
