لَّا يَنْهَىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَـٰتِلُوكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِكُمْ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُقْسِطِينَ 8
Translations
Allāh 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, Allāh loves those who act justly.
Transliteration
Lā yanhākum Allāhu ʿan alladhīna lam yuqātilūkum fī ad-dīn wa-lam yukhrijūkum min diyārikum an tabarrūhum wa-tuqsitū ilayhim. Inna Allāha yuḥibbu al-muqsitīn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah does not forbid Muslims from being kind and just toward non-Muslims who have not fought them regarding religion nor expelled them from their homes. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this ayah establishes the principle of justice and compassion toward peaceful non-believers, distinguishing them from those who actively persecute Muslims. The ayah teaches that righteous conduct and fair dealings are not contingent upon shared faith, but upon peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Madinah during a period when Muslims were establishing diplomatic and commercial relations with non-Muslim tribes and communities. The specific context involves Muslim women who migrated to Madinah and whose non-Muslim relatives from Makkah sought to maintain family ties. This ayah clarifies the Islamic stance on inter-community relations, permitting beneficial interaction with non-hostile non-believers while maintaining religious boundaries.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim record that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized kind treatment of non-Muslim neighbors and relatives. Tirmidhi reports: 'The best of companions in the sight of Allah is the one who is best to his companions, and the best of neighbors in the sight of Allah is the one who is best to his neighbors.' This reflects the principle of justice and kindness taught in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims are called to extend justice, kindness, and fair treatment to all people, regardless of faith, provided they have not transgressed against Islam or Muslims. This ayah provides a timeless principle for ethical pluralism: morality and fairness transcend religious boundaries, and upholding justice earns Allah's love regardless of the other party's beliefs.