What is the difference between the second and third degrees of the levels of loyalty and disavowal (Al-Wala' Wal-Bara') towards the disbeliever, as mentioned by Sheikh Salih Al-Sheikh? And is the intended meaning of loving, befriending, and honoring the disbeliever for worldly reasons absolutely without a legitimate cause or justification? And can there be love without a cause?

Love for a disbeliever at the third degree is for a specific reason, such as kinship or their benevolence. This is a restricted love for the sake of benefit, and it falls under the category of fulfilling obligations and rendering rights. It does not contradict the hatred of disbelief. Al-Shafi'i clarified that the verse (Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion) indicates the permissibility of kindness, justice, and good treatment towards disbelievers who do not fight Muslims, in contrast to befriending those who fought and expelled. The previous statement affirmed the permissibility of showing kindness to a disbelieving parent, treating them well, and honoring them with money, assistance, and service, while the prohibition against befriending and supporting disbelievers remains.