Allegiance to the Disbelievers

Question: What are the limits of supporting the enemies of Allah—those who oppose Him—such that, if a Muslim reaches or exceeds them, he exits the religion? And what limits must a Muslim observe in his dealings with non-Muslims?

Answer: The form of allegiance to the disbelievers that Allah and His Messenger have forbidden is to love them in one’s heart, for no one loves them unless he believes that what they follow is correct. If, however, he believes their path to be false, then for the sake of Allah he must regard them with enmity.

Another prohibited form of allegiance is aiding or supporting them against the Muslims; this is an act of apostasy from Islam.

Likewise forbidden is excusing them, justifying their conduct, praising them, or commending them. All such actions constitute the unlawful allegiance that reaches the level of apostasy—may Allah protect us. The Most High says: “Whoever among you allies himself with them is one of them; Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people” (Al-Maʾidah 5:51).

What is permissible in our dealings with the disbelievers is neutral, lawful interaction: trading with them, importing goods, exchanging benefits, and benefiting from their expertise. We may hire them for legitimate services such as engineering and other permissible fields. These are the boundaries of what is lawful for us with them.

Question: Of course, while taking precautions and safeguarding against their treachery?

Answer: Without doubt, precautions are necessary, and a Muslim, when engaging in permissible dealings with a disbeliever, must remain vigilant of him and of