Friendships with Non-Muslims | Quran 3:28 | Misunderstood Quranic Verses | Dr. Shabir Ally

Dr. Shabir Ally discusses the Quran 3:28, which is commonly translated as the following: "Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers." Critics often interpret this verse to mean that Muslims cannot have non-Muslim friends, branding Islam as intolerant. However, Dr. Shabir clarifies that the term "wali" used in the verse, often translated as "friend," actually denotes someone who takes charge of one's affairs, carrying political and social implications rather than the simple notion of friendship. In historical context, Muslims needed to be cautious about their alliances due to surrounding hostile forces. Thus, the verse advised against entrusting their affairs to non-Muslims who could potentially harm the Muslim community. Today, this verse is not prohibiting Muslims from having non-Muslim friends or trusting non-Muslims with responsibilities. The verse's focus is on caution and context-specific alliances, not on general interpersonal relationships.

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