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Fatwa CenterWants an explanation of a quote cited in a book on Islam
Question
I am interested in what your opinion on a little book written by James A. Michener title of the book is Islaam: The Misunderstood Religion. He says in the last paragraph in this book, people of the West will meet numerous problems in the Muslim World. But many of them will be softened by a remark that Mohammad made to his followers: "You will find your most affectionate friends will be those who say, "We are Christians". I am amazed at this statement and wonder just what you all have to say at Fatwa Center. I am looking forward to your reply. Top of the little book says Readers Digest June 1955.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
We cannot give a judgment about this book because we have not read it. Even if we had done so, we could not judge it as the Fatwa Centre is busy in answering many questions which come to us related to practical Islamic legal rulings. As regards what the author had mentioned in the paragraph referring it to the Prophet 
it is a verse from the Qur'an [5:82]. This verse is about Christians who have the qualities of being knowledgeable and ascetic persons. Having these qualities makes them affectionate, meek and humble, rather than arrogant and proud of themselves. So it does not include everyone who may call themselves Christians but lack these qualities.
Islam permitted Muslims to be kind and just to those who are not belligerent toward them, whether they are Jews, Christians or others, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): {Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal with equity.}[60:8]. But it is not permissible to love them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): {Take not my enemies and your enemies (disbelievers and polytheists) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth (Islamic Monotheism, this Qur'aan, and Muhammad ).}[60: 1].
Allaah knows best.
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