Editor’s note: This article is based on a post published by Dr. Yasir Qadhi’s Facebook page today.

While some choose to concentrate on all the negativity surrounding us, we should choose to see the positive.

Never before has there been such an outpouring of support for the Muslim community in our lands. Mass demonstrations and protests show how frustrated average citizens are.

Lawyers are volunteering their services and helping detained travelers for free. Judges are standing up to executive orders.

People are forming circles within which Muslims can pray in peace. Mayors are declaring their cities to be safe zones where no one will be arrested for immigration status.

One of the positives that results from trying times is that you get to see your true friends from your enemies. Some who claim to be in the Muslim community are bending over backwards to actually support and defend these policies. These people follow in the footsteps of Abdullah ibn Ubay ibn Salul, the leader of the hypocrites.

On the other hand, so many from outside of our faith are showing that they wish to stand up for justice and freedom, and remain faithful to the values upon which their countries were founded upon.

These are the Mut`im b. Adi’s of our time who speak out against their own people’s injustices; the Abu Talib’s who are willing to suffer in solidarity with the Muslims even if it means physical pain and financial boycott; and the Mukhayriq’s who will even die defending their values and upholding their covenants for the sake of truth.

Even if we disagree theologically with Mutim, Abu Talib, and Mukhayriq (and others in the Seerah of a similar nature), we also learn that not only must we take their help, we should also appreciate them for it and thank them in whatever way possible.

Cooperating with other people in a good cause, regardless of their beliefs or lifestyles, and appreciating their work for religious freedom, and acknowledging their efforts on our behalf, does not in any way comprise our own theological beliefs.

And we also learn from the Seerah that it is not a requirement to point out our differences with people at the very moment that they are helping us! We can praise Abu Talib’s sacrifices without having to mention his idolatry, and Mukhayriq’s contributions without having to mention his specific religious beliefs. There is a time and a place for everything.

We need all the help we can get. And in the end, it is Allah who is our ultimate protector and Mawla.