How can the Quranic texts that call for affection and good treatment of the People of the Book be reconciled with the texts that command fighting them until they pay the Jizyah willingly while humbled?
The Quran does not call for affection towards the People of the Book; rather, it prohibits befriending them. However, it permits kindness and beneficence towards those among them who are under a covenant. Affection (mawaddah) is prohibited by the words of Allah Almighty: "You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger." As for kindness (ihsan) and beneficence (birr), they are permitted towards those who have not fought the Muslims or driven them from their homes, as Allah Almighty says: "Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes—from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them." This means that beneficence does not necessitate affection.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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