Muslims And Non-Muslims: Refuting The Extremist Doctrine Of Al-Wala Wal-Bara

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 13 April 2024 Understanding This Doctrine Is Crucial For A Nuanced View Of Its Implications On Both Intra-Islamic Relations And Broader Interfaith Interactions. Main Points: 1. The Quranic discourse on the Kuffar (non-believers) is extensive and varies in interpretation 2. al-Wala wal-Bara has evolved from a tribal concept into a complex ideological tool used within various contexts, from theological debates to justifications for political violence 3. In recent years, this ideology has been propagated by modern clerics like Ahmad Musa Jibril and Abdullah al-Faisal, who have utilized social media platforms to reach a global audience. ------ This discussion explores the complex perspectives within Islam regarding its own teachings and how it interacts with non-Muslims. Some interpretative traditions within Islam emphasize a defensive posture, rooted in historical contexts where Muslims faced aggression. This view is encapsulated by scholars like Sheikh Muhammad al-Sha‘rawi, who in his work "al-Jihād fil-Islām," argues that jihad is fundamentally defensive, aimed at protecting the community from external threats rather than promoting forced conversion or expansionism. Al-Sha‘rawi stresses that the primary interactions with non-Muslims should be through peaceful Da‘wah (proselytizing) and cooperation, based on mutual respect and tolerance. This perspective contrasts with more divisive interpretations that have emerged in various historical and modern contexts. For instance, the doctrine of al-Wala wal-Bara underscores a strict loyalty to the Muslim community and a disavowal of those outside it, based on certain interpretations of Islamic texts. This doctrine, emphasized in Wahhabi thought and discussed by scholars like Sheikh Muhammad al-Qahtani and Ibn Taymiyyah, suggests a dichotomy between believers and non-believers, influencing social and political attitudes towards non-Muslims. The Quranic discourse on the Kuffar (non-believers) is extensive and varies in interpretation. While some verses are interpreted as advocating severe measures against those who threaten the Islamic community, others emphasize coexistence and compassion towards non-believers unless directly threatened. Scholars like Bernard Lewis have noted that the Quran instructs Muslims to show compassion and kindness within their community and to be firm against threats from outside the community, but this does not necessarily equate to perpetual hostility in all circumstances. The interpretations of these texts can differ greatly depending on the theological, historical, and cultural context of the interpreters. This highlights the diverse ways in which Islamic teachings are understood and applied across different communities and periods, reflecting a broader spectrum of beliefs and practices within Islam than might be apparent from a single viewpoint. The concept of al-Wala wal-Bara in Islamic theology emphasizes loyalty to fellow believers and disavowal of disbelief. This principle is deeply rooted in the belief in Tawhid, the oneness of Allah, and it forms a fundamental aspect of the Islamic faith, shaping how adherents relate to those outside their faith. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Refuting The Jihadist Doctrine Of Al-Wala Wal Bara (Loving And Hating For The Sake Of Allah) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Evolution of Al-Wala wal-Bara In the tribal society of pre-Islamic Arabia, the verbs "Wala" (to accept) and "Bara" (to expel) were used to describe the acts of inclusion and exclusion within the community. This concept evolved into Al-Wala Wa-L-Bara within the Islamic context, initially utilized by the Kharijites to emphasize loyalty among their own and rejection of others. The Kharijites, who emerged after rejecting a peace treaty between Caliph Ali and Mu’awiya during the Battle of Siffin in 657 AD, later played a role in Ali’s assassination and continued conflicts with Mu’awiya’s supporters. Considered deviant by mainstream Islamic jurisprudence, their strict interpretation of loyalty and disavowal laid early foundations for the concept. This binary concept of allegiance and opposition was revitalized in the late eighteenth century by Sulayman ibn ‘Abdallah al-Shaykh, a descendant of the Wahhabi movement's founder. He infused al-Wala wal-Bara with theological significance, asserting that true Islamic faith necessitates both love for God and hatred for His enemies. This interpretation was further developed by subsequent scholars like ‘Ali Ibn ‘Atiq’, who linked it directly with Tawheed (the Islamic doctrine of monotheism), arguing that true monotheism inherently requires disavowal of polytheists. The revival took a more political turn in the twentieth century. In 1979, Juhayman al-’Utaybi and his followers, claiming to uphold al-Wala wal-Bara, seized the Grand Mosque in Mecca. This incident demonstrated a shift towards using the concept as a justification for political and militant actions against perceived enemies of Islam, both within and outside the Muslim world. Abu Muhammad al Maqdisi, a prominent ideologue, later argued that al-Wala wal-Bara was not just a part of Islam but a foundation, equating the denial of this concept with the denial of Islam itself. His teachings have influenced a new generation of jihadists, including those who see the West and its allies as principal adversaries. By the 1990s, figures like Humud b. ‘Uqala’ al-Shu‘aybi further politicized al-Wala wal-Bara, interpreting it as a theological imperative to oppose Western influence and military presence in Muslim lands. This perspective gained further traction post-9/11, with figures like Ayman al-Zawahiri emphasizing a perpetual state of bara against non-Muslims and governments cooperating with the West. In recent years, this ideology has been propagated by modern clerics like Ahmad Musa Jibril and Abdullah al-Faisal, who have utilized social media platforms to reach a global audience. Their teachings, which emphasize hatred towards non-Islamic governance and societal systems, have been linked to various acts of extremism and are seen as contributing to the radicalization of individuals worldwide. Thus, al-Wala wal-Bara has evolved from a tribal concept into a complex ideological tool used within various contexts, from theological debates to justifications for political violence. Its interpretation and application continue to influence contemporary Islamic thought and global geopolitical dynamics. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Peaceful Coexistence in Islam: A Middle Path Between Al-Wala And Al-Bara? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Theological Foundations and Social Implications Al-Wala wal-Bara translates to loyalty and disavowal. It requires Muslims to align themselves with what is halal (permissible) and disassociate from what is haram (forbidden). This doctrine is considered by some to be nearly as important as Tawhīd itself, underlining the significance of maintaining purity of faith and practice. Interactions with Non-Muslims The Quran and Hadiths, sources of Islamic scripture and teachings, discuss the relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims. Verses in the Quran, such as those in Surat al-Fatiha, guide Muslims to follow the path of those favoured by Allah and avoid the paths of those who have earned wrath or gone astray. Historical interpretations, like those by al-Tabari, suggest specific references to Jews and Christians in these contexts. Al-Wala wal-Bara in Global and Political Contexts In a broader sense, al-Wala wal-Bara impacts Islamic political theory, particularly in the distinctions made between Dar al-Islām (the domain of Islam) and Dar al-Harb (the domain of war). This delineation frames the geopolitical worldview of some Islamic schools of thought, which see a natural state of conflict with non-Islamic realms until they are brought under Islamic governance. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Takfeer, Wala Wal Bara’a, Darul Islam vs. Darul Harb—Three Major Catalysts of the Jihadist Radicalization: Rebuttals from the Classical Islamic Sources -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Salafi-Jihadi Interpretations Extremist groups, such as Salafi-Jihadis, adopt a stringent interpretation of al-Wala wal-Bara. They believe in rigorous adherence to their version of Islam and practice Takfir, where Muslims deemed insufficiently devout or accused of violating Islamic principles are labelled apostates. This radical ideology supports their justification for violence against both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Fitrah Doctrine The concept of Fitrah, or the natural disposition towards Islam, plays a crucial role in Islamic missionary activities. It holds that every human is born with an innate inclination towards Islam, and deviations from this path are due to external influences. This belief underpins efforts to revert individuals to what is considered their original faith. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Jihadist Atrocities and the Salafi-Wahhabi Doctrine of Al-Wala-Wal-Bara (Loyalty with Salafi-Wahhabi Muslims and Enmity against all non-Salafi-Wahhabi Muslims and non-Muslims) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Concluding Thoughts The doctrine of al-Wala wal-Bara is complex and multifaceted, influencing both personal faith and collective identity among Muslims. While it fosters a strong sense of community among believers, its interpretations vary widely, with some adopting it as a call for exclusivity and others viewing it as a spiritual guideline for personal conduct. Understanding this doctrine is crucial for a nuanced view of its implications on both intra-Islamic relations and broader interfaith interactions. ----- A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/muslims-refuting-extremist-doctrine-wala-bara/d/132130 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism