As to the idea that Muslims should establish commercial or...

As to the idea that Muslims should establish commercial or scientific relations with non Muslim communities on the basis of protecting Muslim interests and independence as well as their security is not unprecedented in the history of Islam nor is it forbidden in Islam and it does not fit into the meaning of seeking assistance from the oppressors. During the era of the Prophet (S) and after him such relationships with non Muslims had also existed.

However, one must not, at the same time, obey the oppressors or put his hope in them, for we read in the narrations that friendship with the unjust and obedience to them are examples of submission to tyranny. In a narration, it has been said: “Do not put your hope in an oppressor even if he is a member of your family or a friend.” In Al-Kafi, there is also a narration which…