Thank you for you kind words and explanations. I started this OP, because the translation of this verse didn't feel good.
Just some time back I found another translation that solved my bad feeling. The word "protectors" is used instead of "friends". And "certain" was added [only in 1 of the 10 Koran translations I have]. For me now the whole verse feels good. Just a little change but a big effect. You think "certain" is correct here, according to your arabic verse? And I like "protector" [not friend or allies] because it can also mean "Allah" as my protector. Without "certain" it's too generalizing [towards Christians and Jews] IMHO.
*51. O you who believe, do not take certain Jews and Christians as protectors; these are protectors of one another. Those among you who ally themselves with these belong with them. GOD does not guide the transgressors.
1 more question. I like verse 3:07 in the Koran, where is said:
He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses— which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple- meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple- meaning verses to create confusion, and to extricate a certain meaning. None knows the true meaning thereof except GOD and those well founded in knowledge. They say, “We believe in this—all of it comes from our Lord.” Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.
I like this verse very much, because it says IMHO that "straightforward verses" contain the essence of the Koran. And gives a warning as regard to the multi-meaning verses which easily can be used to create confusion. Is there a list of "straightforward verses" only?
You are most welcome!
Indeed the Quran explicitly stated in some verses that the Christians and Jews are are not [all] the same, i.e., their attitude toward Islam differs from one individual to another, and in these same verses the Quran portrayed a very beautiful picture of some of them, that can be regarded as a page of honor for them! Hers is the translation of the verses:
"They are not [all] the same; among the People of the Scripture is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer].
They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and hasten to good deeds. And those are among the righteous.
And whatever good they do - never will it be removed from them. And Allah is Knowing of the righteous." Quran 3:113-115.
Then, regarding the translation of the verse of the OP, although I am a native Arab, and have studied the Arabic language for a long time, when it come to the translation of the holy Quran, the context is the easiest way to decide of which English word is to use for which Arabic Word. Then I must say that: although The Arabs became a minority among the Muslims very soon after the death of the Prophet, with the mass conversion to Islam, the Muslims were very wise when they concentrated on teaching the new Muslims the Arabic language rather than translating the Quran, as any translation will have its limitations.
And as of the "Mutashabih", which is multiple-meaning veses, there are some verses that can be referred to as absolutely "Mutashabih", such as the unconnected letters at the beginning of some chapters. However the general rule is that the "Mutashabih" is a relative concept, that is: as you gain more deep knowledge in the straightforward verses, more and more "Mutashabih" verses will become as straightforward verses to you, while they are still "Mutashabih" to the others. It may be that there is a hadith saying this but I am not sure at the moment whether there is a hadith or not.
Finally, sorry if my reply was a little bit a generic one, but don't hesitate to forward questions to my about Islam, Arabic or the Arab world. Although I don't wear the official dress of a Muslim cleric, as I have my job and my profession, I have studied Islamic Sciences for many years, and have many researches in these fields.
Good luck
