Question:
Eminent Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. The questioner says: You mentioned, may Allah preserve you, that the doctrine of Al-Wala’ wal-Bara’ (loyalty and disavowal) is obligatory. Does this mean that we are not allowed to speak with non-Muslims?
Answer:
Did I say that [we should not speak to them]?!! We say that we speak with them, invite them to Allah, buy and sell with them within permissible limits, accept the jizyah (tribute) from them, and allow them to reside in our lands or their own lands if they live under Islamic rule. Worldly dealings do not conflict [with this doctrine].
It is only a matter of religion; we absolutely do not compromise with them regarding our faith. As for worldly dealings, this is a matter of pursuing mutual benefits and exchanging interests between us and them.
Furthermore, those who have not caused any harm to Muslims are to be treated with reciprocal kindness: “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes—from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Al-Mumtahanah, 60:8)
This is a reward for them. So, we engage in worldly transactions with them, but when it comes to religion, love, and Al-Wala’ wal-Bara’, no—we adhere to our religion and do not bargain over it.
Yes, likewise, there is nothing wrong with making treaties with them. We can establish peace treaties with them based on the best interest of Muslims; there is no objection or issue with that. The Prophet ﷺ made a treaty with the polytheists at Al-Hudaybiyyah and reconciled with them. If it serves the benefit of Muslims, there is no harm in it. Yes.