The topic of the rights of non-Muslims in Islam has the potential to capture the interest of Muslims and non Muslims alike. Even more so, in a day and age in which Muslims are mostly clueless on how to treat non Muslim minorities living in Muslim lands or societies. Ignorance is not without its grave consequences. Failure to align one’s knowledge and actions with the pristine teachings of the Quran and Sunnah leads Muslims to commit injustices. This applies to the treatment of non-Muslims as well.
Islam has enshrined the twin inseparable qualities of mercy and justice into all its affairs. Anything lacking these two qualities is not truly Islamic. Allah sent the last and final Messenger (PBUH) as a mercy to mankind, as stated in Surah Al Anbya. It was the Prophet’s (PBUH) dealings with non Muslim that won him their admiration and acceptance.
The real conquest in the early stages of Islam alongside the conquest of Mecca was that of human hearts. Muslim ignorance of non Muslim rights and their ill treatment of minorities has deprived non-Muslims of a real understanding of the beauty and truth of Islam. Hence, what are the rights of non-Muslims in Islam?
For starters, as stated by the Prophet (PBUH), in Sunan Abi Dawud; one who shows cruelty and harshness to a non believing minority, restricts their rights, burdens them beyond their capability, or takes from them without obtaining their permission, will face the Prophet’s (PBUH) complaint on the Last Day.
Non-Muslims have a right to their own beliefs
As stated in Surah Al Baqarah, when it comes to faith, there is no compulsion. The high moral ground on human rights taken by Islam shall remain unparalleled until the end of times. Reason being that its source was God and not imperfect human intellect.
When drafting the constitution for the first-ever Islamic state in Medina, one of its fundamental principles included the protection of the places of worship for Jews and Christians residing in the vicinity. This ensured not only their freedom to practice their faith but also guaranteed the safeguarding of their places of worship as a symbol of mutual respect.
The Quranic revelation took this large heartedness even a step further. Allah the All Wise revealed in Surah Al An’am that believers should not insult entities or things worshipped by the disbelievers, so that they don’t retaliate by abusing Allah. This demonstrates the fair and liberal approach that Islam ratifies. One that can rival all the narrow-minded positions taken by nations across the globe in our times.
Above all, Islam is the only religion that renders it an article of faith to honor and respect all Prophets of God unconditionally. There is no question of any Muslim disparaging the Prophets of Judaism or Christianity, etc. On the contrary, the vivid details given in the Quran about each Prophet’s life help Muslims develop a strong bond with them. In Surah Yunus, we learn that people’s acceptance of the truth is based on Allah’s will, for He can guide whoever He wills.
Non-Muslims have a right to being dealt with justly
In Surah An Nisa, Allah calls on believers to persevere in being just. A notable incident that took place during Umar’s caliphate bears testimony to the principled stand taken by the early Muslims. Amr ibn al As was a Sahabi (Companion) and the governor of Egypt. One of his sons beat up a Coptic Christian while boasting about being a nobleman’s son. The Copt took his complaint to Caliph Umar (R.A) after escaping imprisonment.
The righteous Caliph called for the father and son who were guilty to be brought before him.
Upon his appointment as Caliph, Umar Ibn al-Khattab declared his commitment to empower the weak by securing their rightful claims and to weaken the powerful by taking back what did not belong to them.
Non-Muslims are guaranteed protection of their places of worship
Not only does Islam assure religious freedom to non-Muslim minorities, but it also promises to protect their places of worship. This is one of the most important rights of non-Muslims. It was once again the rightly guided Caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar, who went on to set the example. According to Tabari, Abu Bakr (RA) instructed Usama Ibn Zaid, in the first example, to do ten things.
He said to not slay any women, children, or elderly people. , not to cut down food trees, vandalize home, or hurt sheep or camels unless for eating.
He further prohibited the act of drowning or burning palm trees, engaging in treason, displaying cowardice, and abandoning those devoted to monastic life.
Umar’s (RA) treaty with the people of Ilya of Jerusalem, as per Tabari, is the second. He guaranteed them personal safety, and safety of their belongings, places of worship, crucifixes, and the people withing, regardless of their health, along with all the people in their community. Their places of worship will remain untouched, and nothing will be taken from them.
The vindictive characteristics in the people of our times are in sharp contrast to noble ideals upheld by righteous Caliphs. How often do we hear of a church, temple, synagogue, or mosque being demolished?
Islam came to uplift and inspire mankind
Islam enshrines the rights of non-Muslims, fostering peaceful coexistence. Islamic laws do not compel non-Muslims in Muslim lands to follow them or pay Zakat. They can govern by their own civil laws, even in personal matters. The Prophet (PBUH) allowed judgment based on their scriptures. Upholding justice draws one closer to Allah’s pleasure, as Allah encourages believers to treat non-Muslims with kindness and fairness in Surah Al Mumtahanah.
Wrapping Up
The rights of non-Muslims in Islam are a testament to the religion’s commitment to justice and compassion. These rights include the freedom to practice their faith, protection of their places of worship, and fair treatment under Islamic law. The early caliphs set exemplary standards in upholding these rights, emphasizing Islam’s true spirit of tolerance and coexistence, which should serve as a guiding principle today.
