What is the ruling on adopting the view of a trusted authority that a moderate Muslim is better than an extremist Muslim, and that a Muslim with good morals is better than one characterized by the opposite qualities? And does one commit an act of disbelief and sin if they prefer some peaceful disbelievers over oppressive, warring Muslims, or over some Muslims who impose strict interpretations?

A Muslim is better than a disbeliever, no matter how disobedient, because the greatest virtue is monotheism, and the greatest vice is polytheism. The disobedient Muslim should be advised, and his error made clear to him. He is given loyalty commensurate with his Islam, and he is hated for the evil and disobedience within him. Preferring a disbeliever over a Muslim in terms of religion is apostasy. However, if it is in terms of the good manners they possess, then it is not disbelief. Disbelievers display good manners for a worldly purpose, while a Muslim, if he adopts them, receives reward and recompense. True Muslims are more deserving and entitled to trustworthiness and honesty than disbelievers. It is not permissible to prefer a disbeliever over a Muslim absolutely.