3:28 The believers never ally themselves with the disbelievers, instead of the believers. Whoever does this is exiled from GOD. Exempted are those who are forced to do this to avoid persecution. GOD alerts you that you shall reverence Him alone. To GOD is the ultimate destiny.
Interesting that in verses 3:36 the expression “You [God] chooses” occurs five times and then in 3:28 God tells us to “choose your friends carefully”
What does it mean to ally yourself?
To place in a friendly association, as by treaty.
To unite or connect in a personal relationship, as in friendship or marriage.
To enter into an alliance.
One that is allied with another, especially by treaty:
For one to ally, it typically means that there is a conflict or dispute where sides need to be made. When it is time to take sides the believers will never ally themselves with the disbelievers instead of the believers.
For the sake of this verse the term “ally” is in regards to belief. We do not ally ourselves with the beliefs of someone who opposes God.
The Inevitable Test
9:16 Did you think that you will be left alone without GOD distinguishing those among you who strive, and never ally themselves with GOD’s enemies, or the enemies of His messenger, or the enemies of the believers? GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.
4:144 O you who believe, you shall not ally yourselves with the disbelievers, instead of the believers. Do you wish to provide GOD with a clear proof against you?
Here are the verses in the Quran that uses the Arabic word for ally.
53:29 You shall disregard those who turn away from our message, and become preoccupied with this worldly life.
53:30 This is the extent of their knowledge. Your Lord is fully aware of those who strayed away from His path, and He is fully aware of those who are guided.
If You Have to Make a Choice
9:23 O you who believe, do not ally yourselves even with your parents and your siblings, if they prefer disbelieving over believing. Those among you who ally themselves with them are transgressing.
9:24 Proclaim: “If your parents, your children, your siblings, your spouses, your family, the money you have earned, a business you worry about, and the homes you cherish are more beloved to you than GOD and His messenger,** and the striving in His cause, then just wait until GOD brings His judgment.” GOD does not guide the wicked people.
Want to surround ourselves with people that will augment and strengthen our faith. God does not forbid us from befriending people of different beliefs, understandings, backgrounds, creeds, etc. as long as they do not fall into the category of 60:8 – 9. By having a diversity of friends and associates it allows us to gain more perspective on life and grow our understanding.
Basic Law Regulating Relations With Unbelievers
60:8 GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.
60:9 GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors.
Certain Jews and Christians Cannot Be Friends*
5:51 O you who believe, do not take certain Jews and Christians as allies; these are allies of one another. Those among you who ally themselves with these belong with them. GOD does not guide the transgressors.
Quranic Study Groups
18:28 You shall force yourself to be with those who worship their Lord day and night, seeking Him alone. Do not turn your eyes away from them, seeking the vanities of this world. Nor shall you obey one whose heart we rendered oblivious to our message; one who pursues his own desires, and whose priorities are confused.