Do Not Take as Intimate Friends Those Outside — About the Hypocrites' Inner Circle
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Level: intermediate
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لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ بِطَانَةٗ مِّن دُونِكُمۡ
— آل عمران 118
Verse: "O you who believe, do not take as intimate friends those outside you — they spare no effort to corrupt you." (3:118)
Occasion (Hasan): Some Muslims befriended Jews or hypocrites in Medina and disclosed Muslim secrets to them. The verse prohibited taking them as inner circle confidants.
Distinction: The prohibition is against "bitanah" (intimate circle and confidants) not against fair treatment and peaceful coexistence.
Source: Al-Wahidi; Al-Suyuti; Ibn Kathir (2/102)
Question: What is the difference between the prohibited "bitanah" and permissible dealings with non-Muslims?
Answer: Bitanah: intimate circle, secret-sharers, confidants — this is forbidden. Fair dealings and good treatment: permitted and even commanded.