As per Qur'an 3:28, to what extent can Muslims receive help from non-Muslims?

Qur'an 3:28 addresses the relationship between believers and disbelievers, particularly in the context of forming alliances and friendships. The verse states: Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Allah unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. 3:28

This means that Muslims are warned against prioritizing relationships with non-Muslims over their fellow believers. However, the verse provides an important exception: if there is genuine fear for one's safety or well-being, Muslims are permitted to outwardly express friendliness towards disbelievers, primarily as a protective measure. This practice is referred to as "taqiyya," which allows for a form of dissimulation or precaution when faced with potential harm.

Ibn Kathir explains that this exception is meant for situations where believers may feel threatened by disbelievers and must outwardly align themselves to protect their lives or interests. He emphasizes that while outward expressions of friendliness may be permissible, true loyalty must remain with fellow believers. Similarly, Majma al-Bayan notes that taqiyya is allowed when there is a fear of harm, but it does not permit abandoning one’s faith or harming fellow believers.

Thus, while Muslims can seek help from non-Muslims in circumstances of necessity or danger, this should not come at the cost of their loyalty to the Muslim community or faith. The overarching principle is that any alliance with non-Muslims should not compromise one's obligations and commitments to fellow believers.