Chapter 1

Al-Muwala wal-Mu'ada (Loyalty and Disavowal) in Islamic Sharia. Authored by: Mahasin bin Abdullah bin Muhammad al-Jal'ud. Part One. ¶

All rights reserved to the author. Riyadh - P.O. Box: 10632 First Edition 1407 AH - 1987 AD ¶

Al-Muwalat (Loyalty/Alliance) and Al-Mu'adat (Enmity/Disavowal) in Islamic Sharia ¶

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. ¶

Introduction: All praise is due to Allah, who revealed the Book to His servant, making it a guide, a warner, and a beacon for whoever clings to it and relies upon it in their alliances and enmities; it is a radiant lamp for them. In it, He has made it obligatory to cut ties with the people of polytheism and those who support and aid them. ¶

Blessings and peace be upon the most noble of His creation and the best of His messengers, Muhammad (ﷺ), through whose mission Allah tore asunder the darkness of disbelief and made the dissociation from polytheism and polytheists—both entirely and in detail—part of his guidance. ¶

And upon his family and companions, who loved one another for the sake of Allah with a love that humbled the enemies, through which they waged a great jihad against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and through which they distinguished themselves from the people of misguidance, refusing to accept half-measures as a path. ¶

To proceed: Indeed, the issue of 'Wal'a and Bara'a' (loyalty and disavowal) in Islamic Shariah has become one of the neglected issues in the calculations of many who attribute themselves to Islam in the modern era. ¶

In the present time, under the assumption that this issue is not one of the issues of creed (aqeedah) and worship (ibadah), they have placed their hands in the hands of the disbelievers, granted them the utmost love, affection, and support, and defended them with tongue and sword, at a time when they abandoned the people of faith and made them taste various forms of torment.\n\nThere is a movement being promoted by the enemies of Islam, propagated by hypocrites, apostates, and the naive among those who claim to be Muslim, and that is the call for the 'rapprochement of religions,' meaning between the three messages: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, under the slogan 'Religion is for God, and the homeland is for everyone.'\n\nThe Center for Economic and Social Studies and Research, affiliated with the University of Tunis, published a book titled 'The Islamic-Christian Forum.' In the introduction to this book, written by Abdelwahab Bouhdiba, it states: 'This Islamic-Christian forum, which we called for in Carthage, Hammamet, and Kairouan from November 11 to 17, 1974, has contributed to building the edifice of understanding and brotherhood between religions.'\n\nWe wish to remind these people and their likes of what Allah (Mighty and Majestic) has ordained in His Noble Book: that there can never be a meeting between truth (haqq) and falsehood (batil), and that the enemies of monotheism (tawhid) in every time and place do not change, nor do they meet with the truth except when they submit to it and rid themselves of falsehood. Allah (Exalted be He) says: 'And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, "Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance." If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper.' ¶

The wisdom of Allah (SWT) has decreed that He tests the best of this Ummah through its worst, its believers through its corrupt, and its scholars through its ignorant. This is the Sunnah (practice/way) of Allah that has prevailed from before, and you will not find any change in the Sunnah of Allah. ¶

Therefore, there is an urgent need in this era for Muslims to return to realizing 'Muwala' (loyalty and alliance) among themselves and 'Mu'adah' (enmity) toward their enemies, as the forces of kufr, injustice, and tyranny have converged upon them from every direction. All have called out to eliminate this religion using their various means, and nothing will stand in the face of this Crusader-Jewish-Pagan war—which is colluding with apostates, hypocrites, and the foolish among the Muslims—except the unity of Muslims and their cohesion as a single rank, as the Almighty said: 'Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in a row as though they are a [single] structure joined firmly.' ¶

And as the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: 'The example of the believers in their mutual love, cohesion, and compassion is like that of a single body; if one part of it complains, the rest of the body rallies to it with sleeplessness and fever.' ¶

I have no doubt that carrying out the task of researching this subject with precision and perfection is a matter requiring an ability that I do not claim for myself and a practice I lack. However, it is an attempt, and it suffices me that I exert the utmost of my effort and capacity to highlight the ideal image drawn by the Holy Quran and Prophetic guidance, which the prominent scholars of Islam have addressed with clarification and explanation throughout their scattered discussions and studies on this subject. ¶

If I have done well, my success is only by Allah, and I thank Him, the Exalted and Glorified, for that. ¶

If I have erred or fallen short, I have not exceeded my station, for 'every son of Adam is a sinner, and the best of sinners are those who repent.' (1) I therefore seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance. It suffices me that I was keen to avoid such errors, and I seek His pardon and forgiveness through the sincerity of my intention and the desire for reward, for He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. The Author: Mahmas bin Abdullah bin Muhammad al-Jal'ud. (1) Narrated by al-Tirmidhi in his Sunan, Vol. 4, p. 70 (Chapter on the Resurrection), and by Ahmad bin Hanbal in his Musnad, Vol. 3, p. 198. ¶

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. ¶

Introduction ¶

It consists of four sections: - Section One: The linguistic concept of 'Muwalat' (allegiance/loyalty) and 'Tawalli' (taking as an ally). - Section Two: The linguistic concept of 'Mu'adat' (enmity/hostility). - Section Three: The Shari'ah-based (legal) concept of 'Muwalat', 'Tawalli', and 'Mu'adat'. - Section Four: The correlation between the title of the treatise and the terminological meaning of Islamic Shari'ah. ¶

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First Section: The Linguistic Concept of Muwalat (Loyalty/Alliance) and Tawalli (Taking as an Ally). The term 'muwalat' does not appear in the Noble Quran or the books of Sahih hadith. However, Al-Tabarani recorded in Al-Kabir, on the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both): 'The strongest bond of faith is loyalty for the sake of Allah, enmity for the sake of Allah, love for the sake of Allah, and hatred for the sake of Allah' (1). And muwalat is the verbal noun (masdar) of 'wali' (to befriend/support), from which comes the verb 'yuwali' (2). The term 'muwalat' is more general than 'tawalli', as muwalat implies love (3), regardless of the degree or rank of this love, for anyone you have loved and to whom you have given allegiance. (1) Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani states in his book 'Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah', Volume 2, p. 734, hadith no. 998, that the chain of narration for this hadith is hasan (good) and has corroborating evidence that strengthens it. Its narrators are reliable, and minor criticism regarding some of them does not affect its authenticity. (2) See: 'Muhit al-Muhit' by Butrus al-Bustani, Vol. 2, pp. 2287-2289. (3) 'Al-Qamus al-Muhit' by al-Fairuzabadi, Vol. 4, pp. 401-402. ¶

If you initiate [a favor] without recompense, you have shown kindness to him and befriended him; the meaning is that you have brought him close to yourself. ¶

'Al-Muwala' (allegiance/friendship) is the opposite of 'Al-Mu'ada' (enmity). It is said, 'Wala baynahuma wala'an,' meaning he caused them to follow one another in succession. 'Do these things on al-wala' means with continuity. ¶

As for 'Al-Tawalli' (devoted allegiance): it is the offering of complete love and support to the one to whom allegiance is given, such that the one giving allegiance is to the one receiving it like the shadow is to the body. ¶

Ibn al-A'rabi said: 'Al-Muwala' is when two people quarrel and a third enters between them for reconciliation, and he has an inclination toward one of them, so he supports him or favors him over the other. ¶

And it is said 'Wala fulanun fulanan' when he loves him, brings him near, and makes him a confidant. ¶

Dr. Muhammad Na'im Yasin says: 'Al-Muwala' is derived from 'al-wala',' which is nearness and proximity. 'Al-Wilaya' is the opposite of enmity, and 'al-wali' is the opposite of the enemy. Thus, the believers are the allies (awliya) of the Most Merciful, and the disbelievers are the allies of Satan, due to the first group's proximity to Allah through their obedience and worship, and the second group's proximity to Satan through their obedience and following him, while being distant from Allah due to their disobedience and opposition to Him. ¶

Al-Azhari(1) says: Muwalat (loyalty/alliance) has another meaning. I heard the Arabs say: '(Wal-lu hawashi na'amikum 'an jullatiha)' meaning, 'separate your small livestock from the large ones'(2). End quote. And 'tawalli' is the masdar (verbal noun) of 'tawalla', meaning to take someone as a wali (guardian/ally/patron)(3). ¶

Thus, 'tawalli' signifies taking someone as an ally and absolute following; it entails total commitment to the support, proximity, and reinforcement of the one followed. 'Tawliyah' is the masdar of 'walla', meaning to turn away and depart(4). ¶

Therefore, 'tawalli' is more specific than 'muwalat'. Every 'tawalli' is included within the concept of 'muwalat', but not every 'muwalat' is included within the concept of 'tawalli', as we have previously stated. ¶

'Tawalli' is used in several meanings: ¶

Among them is support (nusrah), as in the words of the Almighty: 'Allah only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion - [forbids] that you ally yourselves with them. And whoever allies himself with them - then it is those who are the wrongdoers'(5). That is, to support them, meaning the people of Mecca. Al-Farra(6) stated this. ¶

Regarding the interpretation of the Almighty’s saying, 'An tawallawhum' (that you take them as allies), Abu Mansur says: 'Tawalli' here is used in the sense of 'Nusra' (support/alliance), derived from 'Wali' and 'Mawla', which means the helper and the supporter.(1) End quote. ¶

And the Almighty says: 'O you who have believed, do not make allies of a people with whom Allah has become angry.'(2) ¶

Ibn Abbas said: Meaning do not take them as allies, and do not offer them sincere counsel.(3) ¶

'Tawalli' also comes in the sense of 'Idbar' (turning one's back) and 'I'rad' (turning away). The Almighty says: 'And do not turn away as criminals,'(4) meaning: do not turn away from that which I call you to.(5) It also comes in the sense of 'standing up' and 'initiating'. The Almighty says: 'And he among them who undertook the greater portion thereof, for him is a great punishment,'(6) meaning he took charge of the greater part of that matter and initiated it.(7) ¶

Among the usages of the word 'tawalla' in the sense of 'leaving' and 'departing' is the saying of Allah the Almighty: 'So he watered [their flocks] for them, then went back to the shade,'(8) meaning he departed and went toward it.(9) ¶

It also comes in the sense of 'following'. The Almighty says: 'It has been decreed for him that whoever turns to him [for leadership/allegiance], he will misguide him.'(10) It also comes in the sense of 'holding back' and 'being near to them', as in the Almighty’s saying: 'Go'. ¶

"...with this letter of mine, then cast it to them, then turn away from them (1)." That is, withdraw a short distance (2), or stay close to them (3). ¶

The word (tawalla) also comes to mean to entrust and to adopt. Allah Almighty says: "And whoever turns to (entrusts/adopts) Allah, His Messenger, and the believers, then indeed the party of Allah—they are the victorious" (4). This means whoever entrusts his affair to Allah, complies with the command of His Messenger (PBUH), and takes the Muslims as allies on that basis, he is of the party of Allah. It has also been said: Whoever takes upon himself the duty of obeying Allah and supporting His Messenger and the believers, he is of the party of Allah (5), and indeed, the party of Allah is the victorious one. ¶

It also comes to mean to disobey/disobeying. Allah Almighty says: "And whoever turns away (disobeys), He will punish him with a painful punishment" (6). This means whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, and thus lags behind in fighting the polytheists (7). The word (tawalla) also comes to mean to obey. Allah Almighty says: "His authority is only over those who take him as an ally (obey him), and those who associate others with Him through him" (8). That is, they obey him and associate him with Allah (9). ¶

The term (Wali) corresponds to the meaning of 'muwalat' (loyalty), which is love and support, in some of its usages, although it is employed in many other meanings. ¶

(Al-Wali) is one of the names of Allah Almighty: Al-Wali is the Helper, and it is said: The One who manages the affairs of the world and the creation, and who sustains them (10). ¶

Among the names of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) is Al-Wali (The Governor/Sovereign), who is the Master of all things and possesses full authority to dispose of them. ¶

Ibn al-Athir said: 'It is as if the term wilaya (sovereignty/guardianship) implies administration, power, and action; unless these are combined, the name Al-Wali does not apply.' ¶

Among the usages of 'Al-Wali' is in the sense of 'An-Nasir' (The Supporter/Helper), as stated in the words of Allah the Almighty: 'Allah is the Wali (protector/supporter) of those who believe; He brings them out of darkness into the light.' Here, 'Wali' is in the form of 'fa'il' (active participle). Al-Khattabi stated: 'The Wali is the Helper who supports His believing servants.' ¶

It is also said: 'Tawallaka Allah' (May Allah be your Wali), meaning may Allah be your protector, and it can carry the meaning: May Allah grant you victory (nasara-ka). ¶

From this is the saying of the Almighty: 'Then indeed Allah is his Protector (mawlahu), and Gabriel and the righteous among the believers' (1). Meaning, His protector and helper against them (2). ¶

And the Almighty says: 'Say, never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our Protector (mawlana), and upon Allah let the believers rely' (3). The meaning of 'mawlana' is our helper (4). And the Almighty says: 'You are my Protector (wali) in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous' (5). His saying 'You are my Wali' means my helper (6). And the Almighty says: 'Indeed, my Protector (wali) is Allah, who has sent down the Book; and He is an ally to the righteous' (7), meaning my helper and supporter (8). ¶

And in the Hadith: 'O Allah, grant my soul its righteousness and purify it, for You are the best of those who purify it; You are its Wali and Mawla' (9). ¶

Al-Wali is Allah (Mighty and Majestic is He): meaning the Helper and the Sufficient One. Al-Wala' and Al-Wali are all infinitive nouns (masdar) of 'waliya' (10). ¶

And 'Al-Wali' is used to refer to a relative by lineage. The Almighty says: '...then the one between whom and you is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend (wali)' (11). Meaning, as though he were an affectionate relative (12). ¶

And 'Al-Mawla' is used to refer to the helper and supporter. The Almighty says: 'That is because...' ¶

Allah is the Mawla (Protector/Lord) of those who believe, and indeed the disbelievers have no Mawla (1). This means that Allah is the Helper and Protector (Wali) of those who believe in Him, whereas the disbelievers have neither a helper nor a protector (2). ¶

Allah Almighty also said: 'But Allah is your Mawla, and He is the best of helpers' (3). That is, He is your Protector and your Helper (4). The term 'Mawla' is also used to denote a relative; Allah Almighty said: 'On the day when no Mawla (relative/kinsman) will be of any benefit to another, nor will they be helped' (5). This means that no cousin shall defend another cousin, nor shall any companion defend his companion (6). ¶

'Mawla' is also used to refer to an ally, an assistant, and a helper. It is one who joins you, gaining honor through your honor and protection through your strength. 'Amir al-Khasafi (from the tribe of Khasfa) says: 'They are our Mawla (allies), even if they deviate against us, and we are indeed resolute in meeting them' (7). ¶

The word 'Awliya' is the plural of 'Wali', and it carries several meanings: The meaning of support or helpers; Allah Almighty said: 'O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as Awliya (allies/helpers)' (8), meaning: do not take them as helpers (9). Allah Almighty said: 'And those who disbelieved are allies (Awliya) of one another' (10). This means that they assist one another through their religion and conduct their affairs based on their shared belief (11). ¶

And the Almighty says: 'And they have no protectors (awliya) other than Allah,' meaning helpers who would help them and stand between them and Allah, the Almighty. The word 'awliya' also comes to mean 'ansar' (supporters/helpers). Allah says: 'And if they had believed in Allah and the Prophet and what was revealed to him, they would not have taken them as protectors (awliya),' meaning they would not have fraternized with them in affection nor sought their support. ¶

The word 'awliya' also appears to mean intimate confidants and inner circles (bitana). Allah says: 'O you who have believed, do not take the disbelievers as protectors (awliya) instead of the believers,' meaning do not make them your inner circle and confidants. And Allah says: 'Those who take disbelievers as protectors (awliya) instead of the believers. Do they seek with them honor? But indeed, honor belongs to Allah entirely,' meaning they take the disbelievers as allies and helpers, seeking strength through them and asking for their support. ¶

The word 'awliya' also comes to mean unity and homogeneity. Allah says: 'The believing men and believing women are allies (awliya) of one another,' meaning their hearts are united in affection, love, sympathy, and other such matters. ¶

The word 'awliya' is also applied to mean idols. Allah says: 'Or have they taken protectors (awliya) besides Him? But Allah is the Protector (al-Wali), and He gives life to the dead, and He is over all things competent.' ¶

Meaning idols. And the Almighty said: 'Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position'' (Surah Az-Zumar: 3). Thus, the meaning of 'awliya' (protectors) is idols. And the word 'al-wilayah' is read with both a fatha (vowel 'a') and a kasra (vowel 'i'). The Almighty said: 'There, the wilayah (protection/authority) is [only] with Allah, the Truth' (Surah Al-Kahf: 44). ¶

Ibn al-Sikkit said: 'Al-wilayah' (with a kasra) means authority, command, and sovereignty, while 'al-wilayah' (with a fatha) means support/assistance. It is said: 'Hum 'alayya wilayah,' meaning they are united in support (of one another). (End quote). ¶

Sibawayh said: 'Al-wilayah' (with a fatha) is the infinitive (masdar), and 'al-wilayah' (with a kasra) is the noun. ¶