Relations with Non-Muslims

Allah the Most High has stated in the Holy Qur’an:

“O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, who created you from a single person
(Adam), and from him created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created
many men and women….” (Ch 4, v1)

It is the teaching of Islam that all of creation (mankind) is one family; we are all
branches of the same tree. Just as one Muslim is the brother of another Muslim,
each individual on this Earth is part of a large family. From this we are made
attentive to the fact that, as a Muslim we are taught to respect and be kind to all
our fellow brothers and sisters.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stated:

• “Those who are merciful, Allah shows mercy to them…If you show mercy to
those on the Earth, the one in the skies (Allah Almighty) will show mercy to you.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, # 4941)

The reference in this Hadith of ‘to those on the Earth’ is not restricted to Human
beings but all of creation, including animals. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him) has in many narrations forbidden people from oppressing and over
burdening animals in their possession.

To the extent, that people have been instructed to not burden any animal with a
load more than it is capable of carrying. People have also been instructed that
when they stop and rest during a journey to relieve the animal of its load as well,
so that it too may rest. If this is the extent that Islam goes to ensure the good
treatment of animals, then the good treatment of fellow human beings is far
more superior and courteous.

Allah (the Most High) has stated in the Holy Qur’an:

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“There is not a moving (living) creature on Earth, nor a bird that flies with its two
wings, but they are communities like you…” (Ch 6, v38)

• “A believer is he, from whom other people (Man kind) are safe.” (Sunan Nisai, #
4998)

• “All of creation are the family of Allah the Almighty. The best liked amongst the
creation to their creator are those who are best to their family.” (Baihaqi,
Mishkaat Masabih, p212)

In the term ‘creation’, Muslim, non-Muslim of all other faiths are included.

Allah (the Most High) has stated in the Holy Qur’an: “Indeed, we honoured the
children of Adam (Mankind)…” (Ch 17, v70)

“Verily, we created mankind in the best of statures…” (Ch 95, v4)

This message from the Holy Qur’an, ordering the respect and reverence of
creation is applicable to the whole of creation. The Prophet of Mercy (peace be
upon him), who was sent as the embodiment of Mercy to Mankind gave the
practical example of this injunction.

There was once a funeral procession of a Jewish man passing by where the
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions were seated. The
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stood up and was informed by the
people that it was the funeral of a Jew. In response to this the Prophet (peace be
upon him) said: “He too has life within him (He is also a human).” (Sahih Bukhari,
Hadith 1312)

The value of life in the sight of Islam:

Allah the Almighty has stated in the Holy Qur’an:

“..If anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or to spread mischief in

the land – it would be as if he killed all of mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it
would be as if he saved the life of all mankind…” (Ch 5, v32)

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To harm ones own body is also not allowed in Islam. This is because even a
person’s own physical health and body is considered the trust (Immanah) of the
creator, Almighty Allah. As the glorious Qur’an mentions: “O you who believe! Eat
not the property among yourselves unjustly except it be a trade amongst you, by
mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is
Most Merciful to you.” (Ch 4, v29)

In the same context, to unjustly take the life of a baby (in the form of abortion) be
it the decision of the female herself or influence of others, is a great sin in Islam
for all liable parties involved. As the Qur’an mentions “And kill not your 2 children
for fear of poverty. We shall provide for them as well as for you. Surely, the killing
of them is a great sin” (Ch 17, v31)

From the entire creation of Allah, Mankind is considered the best of creation. In
Islam however morality is emphasized to such a high degree that even the unjust
killing of animals is considered in correct. As Allah the Almighty states in the
Qur’an “And kill not any living creation that Allah has forbidden, except for a just
cause. This He has commanded you that you may understand. ” (Ch 6, v151)

Good Character towards Non-Muslims:

It is a foundation of the teaching of Islam that it is necessary for a Muslim to
adopt the religious code of Islam and also to have good relations and character
towards those of other faiths. The Qur’an clearly states that the guidance of a
people, a nation… and acceptance of the true religion is only due to the divine will
of the Creator Allah Almighty. However, if in place of this a Muslim does not
uphold good relations and character with those of other faiths, this is incorrect.
However sublime the treatment and character of a Muslim is towards others
including those of other faiths, Allah the Most High will reward him/her for their
actions accordingly.

Allah the Most High has stated in the Holy Qur’an: “Their guidance is not upon
you (O Muhammad), but Allah guides whom He wills. Whatever you spend in
good, you will be rewarded for it in full…” (Ch 2, v272)

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In the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the enemies of the
message of Islam, expelled the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions
through oppression and harshness that cannot be imagined, from the city of their
birth (Makkah). The oppression and hardships on the new Muslims was fresh in
the hearts of the Muslims. At this time there was an intense famine in Makkah, to
the extent that people were forced to eat carrion and garbage to survive. The
Muslims were not blessed with a great deal of wealth at this time, even so,
through their mercy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) collected and sent
500 Dinars (gold coins) to the leaders of Makkah (Abu Sufyan and Safwan) to be
used to feed the people, who ultimately were responsible for their exile. (Rahkdul
Mukhtar, vol 3, p302)

The Respect of the Other Faiths and Their Practices:

The simple message of the Holy Qur’an is the propagation of belief in ‘One God
(Allah the Almighty)’. There is nothing more necessary to understand in Islam,
than this principle of the oneness of God. At the same time there is nothing more
important to beware of than associating partners with Allah the Almighty. Islam
has however, taught us the way of justice, every person has the free will to follow
whichever belief they desire. And it is not permissible to force the belief of Islam
upon anyone.

Allah Most High has stated in the Holy Qur’an:

“There is no compulsion in religion. Verily the right has become apparent from
the wrong…..” (Ch 2, v256)

Abu Rafi relates:

‘The Quraysh sent me as an ambassador of Makkah to the Prophet Muhammad

(peace be upon him) – (after the truce of Hudaibiya). When I reached Madinah
and saw the blessed face of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the
reality of Islam entered my heart and I was ready to accept the religion of Islam. I
told the Prophet (peace be upon him): ‘O Prophet of Allah the Most High (peace
be upon him), now I will not return to my people.’ The Prophet (peace be upon

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him) told him: ‘I will not break the oath that I have given to your people. Nor will I
keep the ambassador they sent to me, you should return to your people. If, after
leaving here, this feeling remains in your heart, then you can return.’ Abu Rafi
states: ‘I left Madinah and then returned to the Prophet (peace be upon him) as
he had stated and became a Muslim.’ (Sunan Abu Dawood/ Tarjamanus Sunan,
vol 2, p155)

Even after Abu Rafi was ready to accept Islam and stay with the Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Madinah, the Prophet (peace be upon him)
did not keep him in Madinah or force him to accept Islam, as this was against the
pact that had been made with the Makkans. Abu Rafi was told to return to his
people, after which he returned to Madinah of his own desire and accepted Islam
at the hands of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Abu Hurairah (Allah will be pleased with him) narrates:

‘The Prophet (peace be upon him) sent a group of his Companions (Allah will be
pleased with them) to the area of Najid. On route to Najid, the Companions (Allah
will be pleased with them) came across a man from amongst those who were
fighting the Muslims. They captured him as a prisoner, He was known as
Thamamah. This man (Thamamah) was taken to Madinah and tied to one of the
pillars of the Masjid (Mosque). The Prophet (peace be upon him) came to see him
and asked him: ‘O Thamamah, what do you say?’ he said: ‘O Muhammad! (peace
be upon him) Remember, if you kill me, I am the leader of my people and verily,
they will take revenge of my blood. If you are gratitous to me, then I will never
forget your gratitude. If you need merchandise, tell me and if you need wealth,
tell me.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) left Thamamah as he was that day. The
second day the Prophet (peace be upon him) came to Thamamah and asked: ‘O
Thamamah, what do you say?’ he said: ‘It is the same and that what I previously
said: ‘If you are gratitous to me, then I will never forget your gratitude. I will
always stay thankful to your favour.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) left
Thamamah as he was this day also. On the third day the Prophet (peace be upon
him) came to Thamamah and asked: ‘O Thamamah, what do you say?’ he said:
‘The same and that which I previously said.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him)

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ordered: ‘Release Thamamah, let him go.’ Thamamah left 3 the Masjid and went
to a date orchard near the Masjid of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and took a
bath. He then returned to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: ‘I bear
witness there is no god worthy of worship besides Allah and I bear witness that
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ (the testimony of Faith in Islam, by which
one enters the religion of Islam.) Thamamah then stated: ‘O Messenger of Allah,
before today there was no face that I detested more on the face of this Earth than
yours. But today, there is no face more beloved to me on the face of this Earth
than yours. I swear by Allah, that there was no religion that I detested more than
yours, but today this religion of Islam is now the most loved by me. I swear by
Allah, there was no city from the cities of this world that was more detested by
me than your city of Madinah, but today there is no city more beloved to me than
it.’ (Sunan Abu Dawood/ Tarjamanus Sunan, vol 2, p156)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) released Thamamah without any
conditions, he was free to return to his people. During his three days in
captivation, he was not forced to accept Islam, nor punished or tortured in any
way. Upon his release, of his own accord, Thamamah bathed to clean himself and
went back to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and accepted Islam readily. The
reason being that he did not wish to accept Islam whilst he was a prisoner.

The leader of the Muslims Umar (Allah will be pleased with him) had a servant,
who he brought up from childhood and propagated the message of Islam to him
on many occasions. However, he continually refused to accept Islam, Umar (Allah
will be pleased with him) would always say in response to his refusal: “There is no
compulsion in religion.” To the extent that near the death of Umar, he freed this
servant. (Kitabul Amwaal, vol 1, p154)

When no compulsion was made one’s own servant how can we compel other
Non-Muslims to accept Islam?

Refraining from insulting those of other Religions:

Allah the Most High has stated in the Holy Qur’an: “Insult not those who worship
others besides Allah...” (Ch 6, v108)

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From the above verse of the Holy Qur’an, it is clear that those people who follow
a religion besides Islam cannot be mocked or insulted for doing so, even though
Islam does not allow the worship of any deity besides Allah the Almighty. In view
of this fact, the teachings of Islam are that, even in this matter it is incumbent
upon a Muslim to respect the beliefs of other religions even though they are not
in conformity with the Islamic ideology.

The Freedom to practice other Religions:

Islam openly proclaims the message of truth and propagates it. However, there is
no allowance to force the beliefs of Islam upon others. If there are people who
wish to practise their religion, then Islam allows them complete freedom to do so.
It is Allah the Mighty that guides a person to the straight path. The Holy Qur’an
being the very word of Allah the Almighty, proclaimed to the Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him): “To you be your religion, and to me my religion.” (Ch 109,
v6)

And in other places the Holy Qur’an states: “Dispute you with us about Allah the
Most High while he is our Lord and your Lord? We are to be rewarded for our
deeds and you for your deeds.” (Ch 2, v139)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed us through his practical
actions when a group of Christians from Najran came to visit the Prophet (peace
be upon him) in Medina. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave
them permission to worship according to their teachings whilst they stayed in
Medina. (Ahkaam Ahle Zima, vol 1, p316)

The jurists of Islam have written that it is not necessary to marry ‘People of the
Book’ (the Jews and Christians). However, there is an allowance within the
teachings of Islam that if a Muslim man did marry a Jewish or Christian woman,
then she too will be given the freedom to practice her religion in wedlock to a
Muslim, i.e. fasting on her religious days of the week etc… and her Muslim
husband should not prevent her from doing so. (Ahkaam Ahle Zima, vol 1, p316)

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During the time of Abu Bakr Siddique (Allah will be pleased with him), the 1st
Khalifa after the demise of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the area of Hayra
was conquered. Abu Bakr Siddique (Allah will be pleased with him) drafted a piece
of legislation from the conquered land, from which the 1st ruling was that there
would be no interference with the religious practices of the Christians in that
area. The 2nd ruling stipulated was that their religion (Christianity) was not to be
mocked or insulted. (Mowsu-atul Khiraj, p143)

The way the Tartars oppressed and tortured the Muslims has been recorded in
history (8, Rajab, 699 Hijri/ 13, March, 1300). When the Tartars reached
Damascus, there were many religions present in the City; Muslims, Jews,
Christians etc. The Tartars captured all of them, at that time Shaykul Islam Ibn
Taymiyyah (rah) stood up and fought the Tartars. The matter reached such a stage
that the Tartars agreed to release the Muslim prisoners they had with them to so
prevent any more fighting. Ibn Taymiyyah (rah) stated: ‘I will not accept this truce,
as there are also amongst your captives Christians and Jews who have stayed
under the Muslim rule and abided by the law of the land. We (the Muslims)
therefore have a duty to ensure they are also released without condition. If this is
not agreed, then we will continue to fight you.’ (Al Bidayah wal Nihayah, vol 14,
p11/ Tarikh Dawatu Azeemat, vol 2, p57)

Government/ Foreign Relations:

Islam recommends the creation of an ideal system on foreign relations between
Muslims and Non Muslims. To the extent, that the teachings of Islam allow those
of other religions to be granted the oppurtunity to work within a Muslim country
without discrimination. Even in the time of the companions of the Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him), Non Muslims used to occupy very respectable
and distinguished posts within the Islamic Government.

1. In the time of the companion Muawiya (Allah will be pleased with

him) the head of the treasury/financial commision in Homs (Aleppo, Syria)
Ibn Athal was a Christian.

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2. King Abdul Malik bin Marwan’s scribe was Ibn Thurzoon, who used to
write the kings legislatory documents and letters, was also a Christian.

3. In the Abbasia rule, Nasr bin Haroon, a Christian, was the deputy
Prime Minister and enjoyed honour and respect from both Muslims and
Non Muslims alike. There are many other examples like this. (Makala Shibli,
vol 2, p 217-219)

Why is tax taken from Non Muslims in Muslim Lands?

In the Muslim Lands, the Islamic Law (Shariah) stipulates that all Muslims
who have reached the age of maturity will have to give Zakat (Charity) if
their individual wealth reaches the value stated by the Shariah. The
Government will take this ‘Zakat’ (fixed at 2.5% of the excess wealth) from
those eligible to pay once a year. There is a clear statement that this charity
will be taken from all those who are of mature age and their wealth is
above that of the required amount: be they male or female, young or old,
able or physically challenged. (Kutub-e-Fiqh)

If this very same system was used for Non-Muslims that reside in Muslim
ruled lands, it would be a very heavy burden on them, as the Muslim will
pay the tax due to it being a principle of their religion. Hence, Jizya (tax) is
not taken from the Non-Muslims in the same way as Zakat applies for the
Muslims, infact discretion is given.

Those Non-Muslims that earn a low wage are expected to pay only 12
Dirhams (£3) for the whole year. Those that earn a moderate wage are
expected to pay 24 Dirhams (£6). Those that earn a high wage are expected
to pay 48 Dirhams (£12). (Sunan Baihaqi vol 9, p329, # 18685)

Further Non-Muslims women, children, old, sick, physically challenged,

poor and religious leaders of other faiths are not expected to pay this Jizya
(tax). Only those men are expected to pay a very small amount once a year
who are in employment. (Hidaya, vol 4, p318. Ahkaam Ahle Zima, vol 1,
p148)

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The reason for collecting this small amount of Jizya (tax) is to ensure the
safety and security of the Non-Muslims not because of them being Non-
Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has very forcefully
stated that the blood, life and wealth of a Non-Muslims living under Muslim
rule is to be safeguarded in the same way as the Muslims would be. (Sunan
Baihaqi)

There is no differentiation between the two. The Prophet Muhammad

(peace be upon him) stated that any Zimmi (a Non Muslim living under
Muslim rule) or those who have a treaty with the Muslims to live in peace,
if anyone was to harm these people living under the Muslim rule they will
not even be able to smell the fragrance of Heaven (they will not enter
Heaven). (Sahih Bukhari # 3166)

It is necessary that Muslims understand that they need to preach the true
teaching of Islam to their Non-Muslims brothers and sisters. Non-Muslims
should also try and learn and understand what the true teachings of Islam
are.

***

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