Answer
Short Answer: No, the Quran does not forbid Muslims from befriending all Jews and Christians. The Quran is very specific and precise in its language and contexts. So long as there is respect and justice, Muslims are not forbidden from befriending people. The problem is in befriending the unjust ones who commit wrongdoing.
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Thank you so much for your question and for approaching us.
No, the Quran does not forbid Muslims from befriending all Jews and Christians. The Quran is very specific and precise in its language and contexts.
In order to understand a verse in the Quran, one needs to read the verses before and after it to get a clearer, more comprehensive and more accurate understanding.
The Dignified Stance against Ridicule of One’s Religion
Quran teaches people dignity and uprightness. When a person and his beliefs get ridiculed and insulted, then one really needs to draw a line and take a firm stance.
These are not light matters. If one’s dignity and beliefs are not respected, what is left for people to respect?
So, the Quran teaches Muslims what to do in these cases.
The Creator Allah Almighty says:
“O you who have believed, take not those who have taken your religion in ridicule and amusement among the ones who were given the Scripture before you nor the disbelievers as allies. And fear Allah, if you should [truly] be believers.” (Quran 5:57)
“And when you call to prayer, they take it in ridicule and amusement. That is because they are a people who do not use reason.” (Quran 5: 58)
So the verse reasonably and fairly talks about those who take your religion as a means of ridicule. It talks about those who show animosity towards the Muslims.
It is out of human dignity and it is basic human decency not to ridicule or allow the ridiculing, insult or harm of one’s beliefs and people.
Muslims Instructed Not to Insult Others As Well
Not only did The All-Wise Creator instruct Muslims not to accept ridicule. But He also very clearly instructed Muslims NOT to ridicule others.
Almighty says:
“And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do.” (Quran 6: 108)
The General Rule of Treatment is Justice & Righteousness
Allah Almighty is the Creator of all people. He created people from all backgrounds and colors and shapes. He ordered us to learn and find the Truth and uphold to the Truth. This is our test.
So long as there is respect and justice, Muslims are not forbidden from having relations with people.
The Almighty Creator very clearly articulated that in the following verses:
“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.
Allah only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion – [forbids] that you make allies of them. And whoever makes allies of them, then it is those who are the wrongdoers. (Quran 60: 8-9)
As you can see, this is about justice, balance and fairness.
As a matter of fact, all injunctions in Islam are about protecting human dignity, fairness, and justice.
Thank you for your question.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
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