What is the ruling on a Muslim having more affection for disbelievers than for Muslims, and what is the ruling on praising them in general, for example, saying:
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The questioner : What about having more affection for them than for Muslims, or about praising them, or perhaps praising them in general, like someone who says, for example: Christians, meaning non-Muslims, may be better than Muslims in some dealings or in something in general?
The Shaykh : There is no doubt that the one who says that he has more affection for them than for Muslims is committing a great forbidden act. He must love the believers and love for them what he loves for himself. As for having more affection for the enemies of Allah than for Muslims, this is a great danger for him and is forbidden for him. In fact, it is not permissible to have affection for them, even if it is less than for Muslims, as you heard from the verse:[Al-Mujadila 58:22] [Al-Mumtahanah 60:1].
Likewise, the one who praises them, commends them, and prefers them over Muslims in deeds and other matters has committed a sin, has formed a bad opinion of his Muslim brothers, and has formed a good opinion of those who are not worthy of a good opinion.
It is obligatory for the believer to prioritize Muslims over others in all matters, in deeds and otherwise. If there is shortcoming from Muslims, it is obligatory for him to advise them, warn them, and explain to them the consequences of injustice, so that perhaps Allah will guide them through him.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : There is no doubt that the one who says that he has more affection for them than for Muslims is committing a great forbidden act. He must love the believers and love for them what he loves for himself. As for having more affection for the enemies of Allah than for Muslims, this is a great danger for him and is forbidden for him. In fact, it is not permissible to have affection for them, even if it is less than for Muslims, as you heard from the verse:
You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger
لا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ يُوَادُّونَ مَنْ حَادَّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُO you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending to them affection while they have disbelieved in what came to you of the truth
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لا تَتَّخِذُوا عَدُوِّي وَعَدُوَّكُمْ أَوْلِيَاءَ تُلْقُونَ إِلَيْهِمْ بِالْمَوَدَّةِ وَقَدْ كَفَرُوا بِمَا جَاءَكُمْ مِنَ الْحَقِّLikewise, the one who praises them, commends them, and prefers them over Muslims in deeds and other matters has committed a sin, has formed a bad opinion of his Muslim brothers, and has formed a good opinion of those who are not worthy of a good opinion.
It is obligatory for the believer to prioritize Muslims over others in all matters, in deeds and otherwise. If there is shortcoming from Muslims, it is obligatory for him to advise them, warn them, and explain to them the consequences of injustice, so that perhaps Allah will guide them through him.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.