When we contemplate summarizing the Islamic teachings concerning dealings with non-Muslims in relation to the halal and the haram, we find that the following two verses of the Qur’an are sufficient, for they provide comprehensive guidelines in this matter. Allah (Glory be to Him) says:
“Allah does not forbid you, with regard to those who do not fight you on account of your religion nor drive you out of your homes, to treat them with goodness and to be just to them; truly, Allah loves those who are just. Indeed, Allah forbids you (only) with regard to those who fight you on account of religion and drive you out of your homes, and assist (others) in driving you out, that you turn to them (in friendship); and whoever turns to them (in friendship), they are wrongdoers. (Quran – Al-Mumtahanah: 8-9)
The first of these two verses not only calls for justice and fairness in dealing with non-Muslims who neither fight Muslims on religious grounds nor drive them out of their homes – that is, those who are neither at war with nor hostile to Muslims – but also urges Muslims to be kind to them. The word birr or ‘goodness’ which is used in this verse is a very comprehensive term signifying that kindness and generosity which is over and above justice; it is the same word which is used to describe the Muslim’s duty to his parents.
We have said that this verse calls for justice; as Allah says:
“Allah loves those who are just” (Quran – Al-Mumtahanah verse 8)
And the believer always tries his best to do what Allah loves. Now, these is no contradiction between Allah’s saying:
“Allah does not forbid you” (Quran – Al-Mumtahanah verse 8)
Which is rather mild, and our interpretation to ‘calling for’ and ‘urging’ justice above. By the use of this expression, Allah wanted to remove from peoples’ minds the erroneous ideas that all non-Muslims are alike and that they do not deserve good treatments and kindness from Muslims. http://mercyprophet.org/mul/node/7471
