You are being deceitful here!
I’m afraid not.
[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
The verse above clearly shows the pure acceptance of Judaism in the Islamic religion, and how their beliefs are respected and accepted on Judgement Day. Thus, they are People of the Book.
What do you learn about the Jews in Sura 5? I'd really like your opinion. Is there any way to interpret this to say the Jews are good buddies of the Muslims?
Let us take a glance at the referral to the Jews in Surah 5, keeping in mind the necessary contextual basis when quoting specific verses.
[5:18] (both) the Jews and the Christians say: we are sons of Allah, and his beloved. Say: why then doth he punish you for your sins? nay, ye are but men, of the men he created: he forgiveth whom he pleaseth, and he punisheth whom he pleaseth,: and to god belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between: and unto him is the final goal (of all).
The first reference to Jews in Surah 5 is above. This verse is quite clear, and shows no signs of aggression/dislike/hostility for the Jewish religion. The verse simply reiterates that, we are not “sons” of Allah, and we are all vulnerable to punishment if we sin. Allah will punish those (of any religion, or lack thereof) for their sins, but will also forgive if they truly seek forgiveness. This is not exclusive to Jews, although they are specified (along with Christians) because there is a common belief that they are naturally chosen to ascend to heaven, without having to earn anything.
[5:41] O Messenger! let not those grieve thee, who race each other into Unbelief: (whether it be) among those who say "We believe" with their lips but whose hearts have no Faith; or it be among the Jews- men who will listen to any lie- will listen even to others who have never so much as come to thee. They change the words from their (right) times and places: they say, "If ye are given this, take it, but if not, beware!" If any one's trial is intended by Allah, thou hast no authority in the least for him against Allah. For such- it is not Allah's will to purify their hearts. For them there is disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter a heavy punishment.
Considering the revelation of this Surah, it is safe to say that taking great precaution in foreign alliances would be an understatement. Revealed after the treaty of Hudaibiyah, this verse deals with the Jewish deceit and support (at times) for the Quraish (refer to Battle of the Trench).
If we look at other verses (as we would if we actually read the entire Qur’an), it would be blatantly obvious that not all Jews are deceitful and untrustworthy.
[3:113-115] Not all of them are alike; a party of the people of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the Verses of God during the hours of the night, prostrating themselves in prayer. They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin Al-Ma'rûf and forbid Al-Munkar ; and they hasten in (all) good works; and they are among the righteous. And whatever good they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for God knows well those who are Al-Muttaqûn.
As we can see, not every Jew is categorized as one predictable being. They are diverse, and the ones who follow their scriptures and place faith in Allah are well guided, just as the Muslims.
[3:199] Surely, some followers of the previous scriptures do believe in GOD, and in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed to them. They reverence GOD, and they never trade away GOD's revelations for a cheap price. These will receive their recompense from their Lord. GOD is the most efficient in reckoning.
“Never trade away God’s revelations for a cheap price” can mean a lot of things. In addition to supporting those who follow previous scriptures, this verse tells us that the Jews who have not beguiled Islam and sought for its weakening/destruction through either: a) direct confrontation, or b) support for its enemies, will be rewarded.
[5:44] It was we who revealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah's will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah's book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell not my Signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers.
Merely stating that the Jews were the ones who were revealed God’s words, and were entrusted to its protection and glory. There is a warning, saying they should not “sell out”, or backstab other monotheists (Muslims and Christians) who share many of their values, morals, and ideologies because of the fear of other men, as only Allah should be feared. Again, no signs of discrimination or condemnation of Jews; not even close.
[5:51] O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends: They are but friends to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.
Here is a commonly quoted verse trying to establish an atmosphere of disarray between Muslims and Christians/Jews. The word “friend” here is erroneously translated; the word is more along the lines of “guardian”, “protector”, or someone who you are very intimately dependant on.
Therefore, the new (and correct) translation should be read as follows.
[5:51] O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your protectors: They are but protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.
This verse merely encourages independance on behalf of Muslims, and says that we should support each other, because ultimately, blood is thicker than water.
(Note: Thanks to Sam for clearing me up on this verse a while back via PM).
[5:82] Strongest among men in enmity to the Believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the Believers wilt thou find those who say, we are Christians: because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.
Again, a clear reference to the personal ties between the Jews and Pagans (Quraysh) against the growing Islamic religion during the 600s. Keeping in mind the date and environment of the revelation, it is only natural that a certain degree of enmity would follow (Jewish conspiring against Islamic followers).
In all, it is important to remember in this Surah, as mentioned before:
[5:69] Those who believe (in the Quran), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians, any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the work righteousness, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
Regardless of any Jewish wrongdoings, be it private or public, individual or in the form of a group, all firm believers of a single God and the hereafter can be forgiven, and those who lead a good life will having nothing to fear in the hereafter.
It is simple to take a few lines (likely mistranslated) about Jews and say, “look! Islam is harsh to the Jews,” but that does not get to the root of the problem. Many other factors must vitally be considered: revelation date, revelation setting, preceding and succeeding verses, and the general topic of the given Surah.
I hope this helped you a bit in understanding the Islamic perspective of the Jewish religion. If you want any sources, I’d be glad to refer you to some.