To what extent is it true to say that a Muslim who does not show enmity, hatred, disavowal, and excommunication towards the polytheists around him in the land of disbelief is considered to be one of them, and that showing enmity is a condition for demonstrating one's religion, and that not showing it means being pleased with their disbelief? And that this is evidenced by stories of the Companions like Khalid ibn al-Walid, and His saying, exalted be He: "Say, 'O disbelievers,'" and verses (97-99) from Surat An-Nisa, and the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Whoever associates with a polytheist and dwells with him, he is like him," and that the only exception is showing enmity towards them?
The statement that animosity towards disbelievers should never be shown is false and entails corrupt consequences. It does not mean condoning their disbelief. Furthermore, pronouncing someone a disbeliever for not showing animosity is a characteristic of extremists. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah clarified that the blood and property of Muslims are sacred, and assisting those who transgress Islamic law is prohibited. He also stated that a Muslim residing in lands of disbelievers must emigrate if they are unable to practice their religion, otherwise it is recommended. Assisting them against the enemies of Muslims is forbidden. He mentioned that shunning disbelievers might be concealed for a legitimate Sharia reason, such as coercion or excuse, or for a worldly purpose. Shunning a Muslim residing in disbelieving lands is akin to shunning people of disobedience. And whoever associates with polytheists and lives among them is like them in some respects. This mentioned تأصيل (derivation/substantiation) is not legitimate according to Sharia and is not based on sound proof. A Muslim should derive their religious knowledge from well-known scholars.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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