Taking Kaafirs as friends

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen was asked about the ruling on taking kaafirs as friends. He replied:

Taking kaafirs as friends and supporters is haraam according to the Holy Qur’aan. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“You (O Muhammad) will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger”

[al-Mujaadilah 58:22]

“O you who believe! Take not as Awliyaa’ (protectors and helpers) those who take your religion as a mockery and fun from among those who received the Scripture (Jews and Christians) before you, and nor from among the disbelievers; and fear Allaah if you indeed are true believers”

[al-Maa’idah 5:57]

“O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Awliyaa’ (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Awliyaa’ of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as Awliyaa’), then surely, he is one of them. Verily, Allaah guides not those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers and unjust)”

[al-Maa’idah 5:51]

Allaah tells us that if the believers are not friends and supporters of one another, and the disbelievers are not friends and supporters of one another, and the two are not distinct from one another, then there will be fitnah (tribulation) and a great deal of corruption on earth.

A believer can never trust a nonbeliever no matter how much friendship and sincerity he shows. Allaah says concerning them (interpretation of the meaning):

“They wish that you reject Faith, as they have rejected (Faith), and thus that you all become equal (like one another)”

[al-Nisa’ 4:89]

And Allaah said to His Prophet (interpretation of the meaning):

“Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you (O Muhammad) till you follow their religion”

[al-Baqarah 2:120]

So the believer must depend upon Allaah and apply His laws, and not let the blame of any blamer bother him or fear his enemies. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“It is only Shaytaan (Satan) that suggests to you the fear of his Awliyaa’ [supporters and friends (polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah and in His Messenger, Muhammad)]; so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:175]

“And you see those in whose hearts there is a disease (of hypocrisy), they hurry to their friendship, saying: “We fear lest some misfortune of a disaster may befall us.” Perhaps Allaah may bring a victory or a decision according to His Will. Then they will become regretful for what they have been keeping as a secret in themselves”

[al-Maa’idah 5:52]

“O you who believe (in Allaah’s Oneness and in His Messenger Muhammad)! Verily, the Mushrikoon (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah, and in the Message of Muhammad) are Najasun (impure). So let them not come near Al‑Masjid Al-Haraam (at Makkah) after this year; and if you fear poverty, Allaah will enrich you if He wills, out of His Bounty. Surely, Allaah is All-Knowing, All-Wise”

[al-Tawbah 9:28]

See Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 3/31-46; al-Wala’ wa’l-Bara’ fi’l-Islam, p. 352.