Do not take them as friends verses

If one should shun and avoid friendships with those outside his religion, then this in itself runs contrary to:

1) The Will of God -- Treat your neighbor as you would be treated; Love thy neighbor (and even your enemy) as thyself.   Here, God teaches that Justice first is found in the kind and gentle heart.

2) Conversions -- No matter what one's religion, it is entirely impossible to acquire new converts, build a religion, extract revenues from the faithful, or do anything as an organized church in the world....without making friends!  The whole anti-social thing just doesn't cut it.  Christianity, Islam, and Judiasm have grown wildly and, therefore, one could conclude that they did not do so among anti-social streaks.  They did take unbelievers as friends at some point.  In the end, it is only among friendship, love, and good, open heart that true and lasting conversions are ever secured by any religion.  That is always the spark and the seed planted.

Stan, the goat shepherd.

Aramaic New Testament:

Edited by believer - 01 November 2008 at 6:31am

peacemaker wrote: The bottom line, as it relates to the topic, is that Muslims are not allowed to compromise their faith at any cost. With that said, they are also expected and encouraged to establish healthy and friendly relations with fellow human beings, neighbors, relatives, family members, including Muslims and non-Muslims.

You just made my heart happy with that, peacemaker.
Shukran and Allah y;atik al kheer
Now...I am off for fajr...

peacemaker wrote: The language of the Qur'an is unique in many respects; therefore, the entire translation in any other language can never be exactly what Qur'an actually conveys. This aspect reinforces the notion that learning the language of the Qur'an helps a lot to develop its proper understanding. It is undoubtedly the words of Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe. May Allah help and guide us to respect it and understand it the right way.