What is your opinion about this Qur’anic verse?

Question

“O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors” (5: 51).

In the light of this verse, can you say that Muslims and Christians should be friends?

The Qur’anic proscription is not general but absolute and, as such, can be restricted. “Time,” “is a great interpreter; if it determines its limits, it cannot be gainsaid. That is, when a matter becomes clear in the course of time, one cannot object to it. Moreover, if the judgment is based on derived evidence, the source of the derivation shows the reason for the judgment.”

In applying this principle to the interpretation of this verse, we can hold that the prohibition from friendship with Jews and Christians is effective only when they reflect Jewishness or Christianity. But, we may conclude, just as not all of the characteristics of an individual Muslim necessarily reflect the teaching of Islam, so also, not all of the qualities of individual Jews or Christians reflect unbelief. If Muslims find in a Jew or Christian qualities that are in agreement with Islamic teaching, they should consider those qualities praiseworthy. It is those good qualities that form the basis for friendship with Jews and Christians. “Can a Muslim love a Christian or Jew?”, we may ask and in answer we can give as example a man married to a woman of the People of the Book. “Of course, he should love her.” This argument is based on the very fact that the Qur’an permits a Muslim man to marry a Jewish or Christian woman presumes that he can and should love her.

Many years before in 1910-1911, Said Nursi was questioned concerning his desire to build relations of friendship with Christians. He was confronted with the restrictive interpretation that some Muslims had placed on this Qur’anic verse.

Answer 1

Hi....
Yupe I got your point.
Actually, oly the simple word that may answer it. I`m a muslim, and Islam is the rational religion. Yes, u are right that Qur`an tell so. But, we ca not interpret it recklessly.

That word in The Qur`an means that we have to be careful in having a friends. Do not be trapped, and do not be enslaved by a friendship, so that u assumed that friend is everything and forget your GOD.

That word doesn`t mean that muslim is restricted from the other religion, Like the Christian and Jews. But actually warn us to be careful.

Do not get protected by Human, Instead of surrended yourself to Allah The Might Creator.

-Do not get provoked by my answer-
Thx very much

Answer 2

That is what is causing a lot of the troubles these days. Islam is meant to be the big great equality protagonist. This works partially within the faith, but there are naturally partially culturally based prejudices against one another (e.g. some Arab Muslims having a tendency to look down at other non-Arab Muslims; Asian/Arab Muslims looking down at Africans... etc). And then there's the whole thing about not taking Christians and Jews for friends. I don't see the problem, but that may be because of my western attitudes.

Mind you, in another part of the Quran, it says that all Christians, Jews, Sabaens and Muslims will go to heaven, if they behave themselves (e.g. do good works). I won't say anything for fear of incurring wrath, but you see what I mean.

I'm not just pointing the finger at Islam - the whole idea of organised religion is to play on our natural hopes of acceptance, in closed groups, or otherwise. If humans were to say "for humanity's sake", rather than "for God's sake", then Earth would be a much better place to live today. All this chosen people thing (no offence y'all) is tearing humanity apart, and at this rate, we won't prosper.

Go mail me through my blog if you want a discussion about it

Answer 3

It's unfortunate that Mohammad imposed this sanction on his believers. It's certainly wise to use discretion when choosing our friends. Personally I refuse to make a friend with a thief, liar, killer, or similarly evil person. However, I will never allow a person's religion to dictate whether they are worthy of friendship. When Mohammad classified all "People of the Book" as "unjust" in 5:51, it really built a wall between us.

I noticed earlier in the same Sura (5:5) that Mohammad allows Muslim men to marry a Jewish or Christian woman. I can't understand this apparent double standard. I believe we are all God's people. Hopefully someday religion will have the capacity to bring us together, rather than dividing us into "this" and "that".

Peace!

Answer 4

not exactly absolute... there is another category you left off
I think it is telling that there is a 3rd category of people in the sura 5 the feast around verse 80

Calling Christians and Jews People of the Book must engender some level of respect, does it not

Christians and Jews were critisized in some sections of the Koran in some ways, yes, but there was a group who will 'love ou more than most' and this is the 'Christ followers'

The third category of people. the Real Christ followers will LOVE YOU and are desribe in positive and only positive terms and they are said to have eyes that brim over with tears as they read the words of their Lord... and they are the only group with the assured salvation in the Koran in Sura 5 ... they look to his return and will not be dissapointed in gardens of God

In the end sura 5 admonises Mulsilms to know in their hearts that a real and true Christ follower will love them more than any other group, is he encourageing or discouraging respect and friendship for them.. He is clearly encouraging it

Answer 5

Answer on my blog. Post is here as well. Sorry did not have the posted the reply to this question on my blog. It will take time to give you the proper response to your questions. My understanding is quite different that you have posted in your additional comments. When looking the message of Qur'an and relate this verse with the other verses which are related to the subject my conclusion is it is clear advice to Muslims not to depend on Christians and Jews when it comes to defencing themselves against aggression. They will always be the protector of each other the Isreal Palestine situation is the proof. I will try to post detailed reply with the related verse on my blog soon.

Answer 6

The verse states: Do not take the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors.

Yes, Muslims and Christians can be friends.

Muslim nations should avoid relying on their Christian allies for protection.

That's not bad advice.

Answer 7

Is it to be known as is the wanting of knowing?Or should the sacrifice be made when all people become as one?Is it possible that through the power of being one can set aside the problems of referal to each others wants and needs?(16:57) -book of solomillo and munoz.

Answer 8

Well, it's not like it's the only book that preaches intolerance....

Deuteronomy 13:6-10:
If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known ... thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die.

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Quran 4:18
They long that ye should disbelieve even as they disbelieve, that ye may be upon a level (with them). So choose not friends from them till they forsake their homes in the way of Allah; if they turn back (to enmity) then take them and kill them wherever ye find them, and choose no friend nor helper from among them,

Answer 9

It sounds like you are quote-mining the Quran for intolerant verses.

I can do the same thing with the Christian bible.

Don't be a hypocrite.

Answer 10

5:69 for, verily, those who have attained to faith [in this divine writ], as well as those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Sabians, [86] and the christians - all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds - no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve.