58:22
Thou wilt not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, loving those who resist Allah and His Messenger, even though they were their fathers or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred. For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with a spirit from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein (for ever). Allah will be well pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allah. Truly it is the Party of Allah that will achieve Felicity.
Islamic teachings emphasize that sincere believers should not form intimate alliances with those who actively oppose God and His Messenger. Qurʾān 58:22 states that believers who truly have faith in God and the Hereafter will not maintain close loyalty with those who oppose the divine message, even if those individuals are close relatives such as parents, children, or siblings. Earlier verses similarly warn that maintaining intimate friendship with those who oppose the faith can lead to divine displeasure and punishment. In this framework, commitment to faith is regarded as a bond that transcends all other forms of social or familial affiliation (Mufti Muhammad Shafi, n.d.).
Classical commentators often cite historical examples from the lives of the Prophet’s companions to illustrate this principle. For instance, ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAbdullāh ibn Ubayy, whose father was known for his opposition to the Prophet, once sought permission from the Prophet Muhammad to punish his father after hearing him speak disrespectfully about the Prophet. The Prophet, however, prevented him from doing so. Similarly, reports mention that Abū Bakr once reacted strongly when his father, Abū Quḥāfah, spoke harshly about the Prophet, although the Prophet later advised Abū Bakr not to repeat such behavior. Another frequently cited example concerns Abū ʿUbaydah ibn al-Jarrāḥ, whose father fought on the opposing side during the Battle of Uḥud. According to historical accounts, Abū ʿUbaydah repeatedly avoided confrontation out of respect for his father, but when his father persisted in attacking him during the battle, he ultimately defended himself. Commentators highlight these and similar incidents to demonstrate the companions’ unwavering commitment to their faith even in difficult personal circumstances. Consequently, the verse is often understood as praising the companions for placing their loyalty to God and His Messenger above familial ties when the two came into conflict (Mufti Muhammad Shafi, n.d.).
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References:
Shafi, M uhammad ( 2008). M aariful Q uran. ( Vol . 8 surah 58 verse 22).