Surah 5:51 Can't be Friends with Jews or Christians
-
Salaam,
In Surah 551, a translation says thisO believers, do not hold Jews and Christians as your alies of one another; anyone who makes them his friends is surely one of them; and God not guide the unjust.
Is this translation, correct? In what context is it speaking of? Everday life? War? What?
-
It would be worthwhile stating here that the word Auuliyaa does not mean "friend" or "ally" but "protector" or "leader"
It is saying that it is YOUR responsibility to protect your way of life... do not expect from other communities or people who do not believe in what you believe that they will safeguard the system of God. It is a logical and pragmatic statement, not a sentimental one.
Same thing has been said in 923
O ye who believe! take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above faith; if any of you do so, they do wrong.
It is not asking you to stay away from Jews and Christians, but to appreciate the fact that they believe in a different ideology... this appreciation will help you to mingle better and at the same time help you in preserving what you believe in.
-
Salaam,
Thanks for the information. What abour Surah 609?
He only forbids you from making friends with those who fought over faith with you and banished you from your homes,, and aided in your exie. Whoever makes friends with them is a transgressor.
Is that suppose to be friends or protectors? If it is protectors, wouldn't that mean that there is some sort of contradiction??? I'm confused.
-
It would be worthwhile stating here that the word Auuliyaa does not mean "friend" or "ally" but "protector" or "leader"
It is saying that it is YOUR responsibility to protect your way of life... do not expect from other communities or people who do not believe in what you believe that they will safeguard the system of God. It is a logical and pragmatic statement, not a sentimental one.
Same thing has been said in 923
O ye who believe! take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above faith; if any of you do so, they do wrong.
It is not asking you to stay away from Jews and Christians, but to appreciate the fact that they believe in a different ideology... this appreciation will help you to mingle better and at the same time help you in preserving what you believe in.
Peace maxq,
thanks for this explanation. Makes sens to me. This verse in its usual translation always bothered me!
lk -
I have already seen that question somewhere...
http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=12861.0 -
i think maxq's explanation makes perfect sense. "owleeia" is plural of "Walee" which means protector , someone whom we take as a guide to lead a certain way of life, i am quite sure of it, as this word is frequently used in Urdu. (borrowed from Arabic)
in 60-9 the word "owleea" is not used , hence that ayah means something else
maxq ,,, good job. bravo
sikandar