Relationships with non-Muslims in Islamic Law: Difference between revisions

Relationships with non-Muslims in Islamic Law (view source)

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 {{Quote|{{Quran|5|51}}|O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.}}
-Muslim apologists, who are often embarrassed by this verse, provide an interpretation that deviates substantially from the literal meaning. The Arabic word ''Awliyā''' (أولياء "friend") is legitimately also translated as "protector" or "guardian". Therefore, apologists claim that this verse refers to a Muslim's allegiance to an unbelieving government.
+[[Apologists]], who are often embarrassed by this verse, provide an interpretation that deviates substantially from the literal meaning. The Arabic word ''Awliyā''' (أولياء "friend") is legitimately also translated as "protector" or "guardian". Therefore, apologists claim that this verse refers to a Muslim's allegiance to an unbelieving government.
 Yet modern day Islamic governments are often dependent on the alliances of predominantly non-Muslim nations, ensuring that this interpretation provides little more convenience. Furthermore, the verse itself appears to distinguish between "friend" and "protector", commanding Muslims to exclude disbelievers as both. Muslim apologists will therefore continue to rationalize the verse with interpretations drifting further from intuitive understanding.