One of the very essential aspects of Islam is Al Wala wal Bara (Loving and Hating for the sake of Allah) a principle that laid the foundation of societal manners after the establishment of the Islamic State of Medina following the Hijra. Yet, today, it is often labeled as an extremist belief. Those who speak about it are sometimes accused of following the “Manhaj of the Kharijites.”
In reality, this rhetoric is commonly found on social media among two main categories of people: the Thawaghit rulers and the defenders of the Thawaghit, who act as their mouthpieces. Unfortunately, a third category has emerged – those who follow such scholars and repeat the same rhetoric like parrots. For them speaking on such matters is automatically considered extremist, or a sign of an extremist character.
The question naturally arises: why would anyone take such a position about a belief that governed the daily life of the early Muslims? This is a lengthy topic that may require an extended blog, In Sha Allah, which we aim to publish in the future. What is clear, however, is that such a rejection often comes from an evil heart or ignorance.
It is now important to understand what Al-Wala’ and Al-Bara’ truly mean:
Al-Wala is love, support, help, and agreement with what pleases Allah. It involves following the sayings, deeds, and beliefs that Allah loves, as well as loving the believers whom He loves.
Al-Bara is the complete opposite. It is to despise, distance oneself from, and reject everything that Allah hates.
The Company You Keep Shapes the Heart
It is very important that we model our understanding of Al-Wala wal Bara after the Sahabah, who grasped its true meaning. In the Seerah, we can see clearly how they interacted with disbelievers. Being just should never be confused with being friendly. Nowhere in Islamic history will you find the Sahabah being friendly or affectionate toward disbelievers.
This distinction is essential because the Sahabah understood a key truth: one who hates Allah and His Messenger, or denies them, cannot be a true friend in any sense. How can someone who rejects Allah and His Messenger be someone with whom you share your time, influence, and thoughts?
Do we not realize that the company we keep shapes our character and personality? Ignorance of this reality does not change the truth. For this reason, the Prophet ﷺ warned us repeatedly about the company we keep
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2396
When the people closest to you don’t share your belief, your akhirah, your halal and haram slowly, your heart adapts to their standards. You begin to admire what Allah hates. You start feeling shy about practicing your deen around them. You stop correcting yourself because “no one here cares anyway.”
This is precisely why it is important to have a correct understanding of Al Wala wal Bara and not allow any fasiq to distort our understanding. Brothers and sisters, we are truly living in an age of Fitnah, where confusion and misguidance are rampant.
It is therefore essential that our sources of knowledge and guidance align with the models set by the Prophets of Allah and the companions of our beloved Prophet ﷺ.
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