Question about the Quran?

Question

Please Explain:

Surah 5:51
"Oh you who believe! take not the Jews and Christians for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them is of them."

What Context? I simply posted a verse and asked for an explanation, there was no context.

Answer 1

It doesn't mean that we cannot be friends or protectors in the exact sense of the word.
It means do not take them as your closest confidante.
Don't trust them with your life because given the chance, they will betray you. Especially amongst each other.

Personally, life has taught me that anyone will sell you if they can get what they want. Regardless of religion.

Answer 2

Ahhh... the famous verse that causes problems...! Good job. I was wondering when someone was going to ask that...

Very interesting, but an applicable example these days would be the US standing up and fighting for Israel, against the Palestinians and other Arabs (not all are Muslims)... actually, that's an excellent example!

I think you need to understand the context in which the verse was revealed. Too big of a topic to explain here...please do some research...

Answer 3

Auliayaa is the word used in this verse, which means helper, intimate friend etc. People usually have intimate friends from others who share the same ideas and beliefs, this is because that way, they can get along easily and assist each other with regard to their faith.

As for normal friendship and good relation, there is nothing wrong with people of other beliefs.
"Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice." Quran 60: 8.

I am Muslim and have lot of non-muslims friends.

Answer 4

Many people critique Islam by saying that it does not tolerate other religions when it clearly states in the Qur’an: “[…] and He does not forbid you to deal kindly and justly with anyone who has not fought you for your faith or driven you out of your homes: God loves the just.” 60:8

Perhaps the qur’anic verse they rely on the most is verse 5:51 (the one you stated) which says: “You who believe, do not take the Jews and Christians as allies: they are allies only to each other. Anyone who takes them as an ally becomes one of them – God does not guide such wrongdoers.”

However, the Jews and Christians talked about here are clearly just the ones who are against the Muslim camp, as is clear from the following verses up to 5:59 : “You who believe, do not take as allies those who ridicule your religion and make fun of it – whether people who were given the Scripture before you, or disbelievers – and be mindful of God if you are true believers. When you make the call to prayer, they ridicule it and make fun of it: this is because they are people who do not reason. Say [Prophet], ‘People of the Book, do you resent us for any reason other than the fact that we believe in God, in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent before us, while most of you are disobedient?’ ”

Further proof that Islam does not oppose peoples’ different beliefs can be seen in the following qur’anic verses: “The [Muslim] believers, the Jews, the Christians, and the Sabians – all those who believe in God and the Last Day and do good – will have their rewards with their Lord. No fear for them, nor will they grieve”; 2:62

“Some of the People of the Book believe in God, in what has been sent down to you and in what was sent down to them: humbling themselves before God, they would never sell God’s revelation for a small price. These people will have their rewards with their Lord: God is swift in reckoning”; 3:199

“You [Prophet] are sure to find that the most hostile to the believers are the Jews and those who associate other deities with God ; you are sure to find that the closest in affection towards the believers are those who say, ‘We are Christians,’ for there are among them people devoted to learning and ascetics. These people are not given to arrogance, and when they listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears because they recognize the truth [in it]. They say, ‘Our Lord, we believe, so count us amongst the witnesses. Why should we not believe in God and in the truth that has come down to us when we long for our Lord to include us in the company of the righteous?’ For saying this, God has rewarded them with Gardens graced with flowing streams, and there they will stay: that is the reward of those who do good.” 5:82-85

Hope this helps, Peace be with you.

Answer 5

Got any more context than that?

EDIT: As someone else has shown, you ducked the full context to try to steer people's perceptions. Boo! Hiss! Go back to rhetoric camp!

I've had other people do the same with Bible quotes, etc. Guess nothing is sacred when it comes to splicing Holy Books, eh?

Answer 6

Sounds like the Muslims are doing that same lame act the Christians are always doing on here...its taken out of context wa wa wa.

Answer 7

[60:8] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.

[60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors.

Your quote is taken out of context as shown above.

Answer 8

Since you like to (mis)quote the Quran.......
"Whatever good you have is all from God.
Whatever evil, all is from yourself."
(you fat ***)