Al-Wilayah

Question :

Allâh Almighty says:
"Take not as friends the people who incurred the wrath of Allah (i.e., the Jews)"

What is the meaning of this verse? And what does "Wilayah" mean? If we go to disbelievers and talk with them or laugh with them, does that mean we have taken "Wilayah" with them?

Answer:

Allah Almighty forbade us from loving, supporting, and taking as brothers those who disbelieve, for instance, the Jews, even if they are not at war with Muslims, for Allâh Almighty says:
"And you will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and his Messenger, even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred (people). For such He has written faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh (proofs, light and true guidance) from himself."

And:
"O you who believe! Take not as (your) Bitanah (advisors, consultants, protectors, helpers, friends, etc.) those out side your religion since they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you. They desire to harm you severely. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far worse. Indeed We have made plain to you the verses if you understand. Lo! You are the ones who love them but they love you not."

There are many verses in the Qur'an and sayings of the Prophet ﷺ that are similar in meaning to these two verses; however, Allâh Almighty did not forbid us from exchanging favors, exchanging gifts, or trading with those disbelievers that are not at war with us. Allah Almighty says:
"Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity. It is only as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allah forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the wrongdoers."

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