Al-walâ’ wal-barâ’ (loyalty and disavowal) is an authentic Islamic concept that has been marred by misunderstandings and misapplications.
When properly understood and practiced, the concept of al-walâ’ wal-barâ’ should not lead to hostility and aggression; rather, it would be a force of good and a catalyst of virtue in our world.
This book provides a narrative that is sensitive to the epistemic worldview of Islamic orthodoxy, hoping to find the center, not of the spectrum of Muslim attitudes, but of Islam itself, which is inherently wasaṭ (centrist).
Contents
PREFACE
INTRODUCTIONS: The problem of definitions; Challenges; Authenticity; Is the Concept of al-Walâ’ wal-Barâ’ Exclusive to Islam? Why Is the Contemporary Islamic Discourse on This Issue Different? The Purpose of Hate; Al-Walâ’ wal-Barâ’ and Human Prejudices; Passing Moral Judgment; Scriptures, Tradition, and History; Understanding the Tradition and Its Bearers: Ibn Taymiyyah as an Example
AGREEMENTS: Justice; Individual Accountability; Respect for Humanity; Coexistence and Sharing Life’s Mundane Exchanges and Pursuits; Generosity; Gentleness; Empathy; Social Bonds; The Solemn Pledge – Tying the Knot; Goodwill for All and the Golden Rule; Salvific Exclusivity; Loving the Unbelievers for Their Unbelief; Loving Unbelievers Hostile to Allah and His Religion; Siding with non-Muslims against Muslims; Taking Them in Place of the Believers as One’s Closest Friends; Deserting Islamic Teachings to Please non-Muslims; Failing to Migrate Despite Being Unable to Practice the Religion Openly; Religious Walâ’ and Religion as an Identity Maker;
CONTROVERSIES: Do We Hate the Sin and Disbelief or the Sinners and Disbelievers? Can Muslims Be Friends With Non-Muslims and Love Them? Interfaith Activities; Specific Empirical Referents of al-Barâ’; Jihad; Assimilation: Can Muslims Imitate non-Muslims? “Push Them To the Narrowest Part of the Road”; Celebrating non-Muslim Feasts, Festivals, or Holidays
Al-Walâ’ wal-Barâ’ in the Modern World: Non-Muslim Minorities in Muslim Lands; Muslim Minorities in non-Muslim Lands
Does Having an Islamic Reference Point Necessitate a Clash of Civilizations?
THE WAY FORWARD: Honesty and Moderation; The Generalities of the Quran and Sunnah; The Change of Fatwa and the Concept of Reciprocity