The Muslim’s Relationship with "the Other" Between War and Peace in Surah Al-Mumtahanah

This study examines the Qur'anic framework for the Muslim's relationship with non-Muslims, focusing on the nuanced balance between war and peace as portrayed in Surah Al-Mumtahanah. Rooted in the integrative methodology of Islamic scholarship -which calls for reconciling Qur’anic and Prophetic texts- the research highlights the necessity of contextual interpretation when addressing verses that may appear in tension. Surah Al-Mumtahanah offers a distinctive model by incorporating both commands for disassociation from hostile disbelievers and injunctions promoting kindness and justice toward peaceful non-Muslims. Revealed among the sensitive political climate following the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and preceding the Conquest of Makkah; the chapter reflects the complexity of interreligious and political dynamics in early Islam. Through an inductive and analytical approach, the study traces the legal and ethical principles within the Surah, showing that hostility in Islam is defined not by mere disbelief but by active aggression and enmity. The Surah’s balanced guidance negates the assumption of contradiction among its verses and instead presents a coherent vision: unwavering loyalty to the Muslim community coupled with moral engagement and justice toward others, unless hostility is declared. The research concludes that the Surah does not include abrogating or abrogated verses, but rather outlines a contextual framework where both principles -disassociation and benevolence- function in harmony according to the nature of the relationship with the other.