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I heard that the Quran says that Muslims should not be friends with Christians and Jews. I have not way of knowing if it actually says that, so if it does not say that - sorry.
If it does, how do Muslims reconcile such a statement with having friends of another religion. I assume that this is the case for people who are not "fundamentalists" or what you may call it. I think that such a rule might only apply in a certain situation in the past, for example, but would be grateful for a clarification.
Their are 2 words in Arabic that translate to English as Friend.
Wali and Siddiq
While a Wali is a Friend, it goes much deeper, your wali is your mentor in Islam, he is your spiritual guide and protector. He is one who will die to protect you from leaving Islam. A wali is your guardian, teacher, role model.
siddiq is virtually identical with the English concept of Friend
.
The Qur'an states we are not to have a non-Muslim as a wali.
There is no prohibition about having non-Muslims as your siddiq
In Surah 5....verse 51 it says to not take Jews and Christians as Guardians....and verse 52 explains that some Muslims who do take refuge among Jews and Christians may do so out of hypocrisy. A previous verse (verse 48) explains that others have been given a "Law and an open way" that they should follow...(and Muslims should follow what has been given them). That diversity is part of God's plan. Later, verse 57 explains that to take as Guardians those who mock your faith is not a good idea.
...so basically...the Quran is giving some good, common-sense advice about various human relationships...not just those with Jews and Christians.
This is not unusual...the Quran also talks about relationship with parents, with spouses, with children, with those in need...as well as more organized/macro relationships such as between businesses, between nations, between humanity (Bani Adam)....etc. The main underlying principle for all these relationships is that of Compassionate Justice and this is spelled out right in the beginning of this Surah (Surah 5)...in verse 8 which goes.....
"Oh you who believe, stand firmly for God as a witness to fair dealing and let not hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from Justice. Be Just for that is next to Piety: and have awe of God. For God is well acquainted with all that you do."
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