Through Force or Faith? — Page 201
Chapter 4 — Interaction with non-Believers 201 have not driven you out from your homes, that you be kind to them and deal equitably with them; surely, Allah loves those who are equitable. ( S u rah al-Mumta h inah, 60:09) That is, if you desire to find the love of Allah, you should deal with everyone with kindness and treat them with fairness if they do not persecute you or expels you from your homeland. This also refutes the erroneous inference that is made from some other verses that Muslims should not befriend non-Muslims. It enjoins not only friendship but even benevolent treatment for non-Muslims. 3. The Holy Quran instructs not to abuse the deities of anyone: َو اَل اوُّبُسَت َنْيِذَّلا َنْوُعْدَي ْنِم ِنْوُد ِهّٰللا And revile not those whom they call upon besides Allah, … ( S u rah al-An‘ a m, 6:109) Here again there is no distinction being made between the People of the Book and the idolaters. Quran directs not to abuse their deities irrespective of what they consider their lord and regardless of what they take as their idol or who they associate with God; included in this are the idols of Hindus as well as the Trinity of Christians and their saints that they call upon in times of need. 4. Similarly, one standard is defined for all in the dis- tribution of trades and professions, employments and offices. Thus it is written: