THE concept of Al-Wala’ wal Bara’ as portrayed in modern Salafism poses great challenges to the realities of modern living. This is so especially in the context where Muslims are living as minority communities in non-Muslim countries. What is the valid and appropriate attitude of Muslims to relationships with non-Muslims?

A major source of confusion and controversy with regards to this relationship comes from the allegation that Muslims must reserve their love and loyalty for fellow Muslims and to reject and declare war on the rest of humanity. This idea and allegation can most acutely be seen through the Islamic concept of Al-Wala’ wal Bara’ (Loyalty and Disavowal), which appears as central to the ideology of modern Salafism.

Modern Salafis argue that the concept of Al-Wala’ wal Bara’ is an important shield and tool for the Muslims to face the challenges of modernism in the current world. This is so as Muslims are struggling to maintain Islam’s authenticity and legitimacy amidst an onslaught of foreign values and belief systems as a result of conquests, colonisations and the current wave of globalisation.

… The writer is Assistant Professor with the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is also a counsellor with the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG).