The Rights of Non-Muslims
Non-Muslim is a broad term that covers all those who are disbelievers in the faith and principles of Islam. These People are classified into four categories as follows
a) Warriors
b) Peace seekers
c) Peace truce holders
d) Non-Muslims living or residing in an Islamic governed country
In the following passages we shall attempts to give a brief account of each one of the above category
A) Warriors: This group is at constant war against Islam, in particular, and against all Muslims, regardless of creed, colour, geographical location, social status or other criteria
B) Peace Seekers: This group is entitled for Muslim Protection in accordance with the time and place specified and agreed upon by both parties for instance, peace seekers
Non-Muslim and peace grantors (governing Muslims). This is the based upon the statement from the glorious Quran
If one amongst the pagans ask thee asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the world of God; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge. 9:6
C) Peace Truce holders: Muslims must fulfil peace treaties made with this group of people in accordance with the terms and conditions of the treaties as long as these people did not breach their contract and did something contrary to the terms and conditions agreed upon both parties, did not assist a third party against Muslims, did not criticize the religion of Islam openly, or did any thing that make them loose their entitlement for the peace treaty with Muslims. This is, of course, is based on the statement of Allah, the Almighty, in the glorious Quran
But the treaties are) not dissolved with those pagans with whom ye have entered into alliance and who not subsequently failed in aught, nor aided any one against you. So fulfilled your engagements with them to the end of their term: for God loveth the righteous.” 9:4
Also the statement of Allah, the Almighty, in the glorious Quran
But if they oaths after covenant, and taunt you for your faith, fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: For their oaths are nothing to them: That thus they may be restrained.” 9:21
D) Non-Muslims living, or residing in an Islamic governed country: This group has and enjoys the utmost rights upon Muslims. They are also required to practice certain things which dictated by Muslims righted unto them as well. In the first place, this group physically resides in as Islamic governed country and enjoy the protection, services all other things that Muslims themselves enjoy from Islamic government such as schooling, health care, road system, housing and all other major or minor services that Islamic government avails for its people. In fact this group enjoys all of the above due to the fact that they pay a special protection and services tax called “ JIZEH” or “ head tax” which is a tax imposed on Non-Muslim residing in Islamic country for this very purpose. This group, however, do not participate in fight or military operation operations if the protecting Islamic country has been threatened and a war is waged against its territories
Muslims governors must be fair and just to his group, in particular, and pass all judgments and sentences upon them on the basis of the true, accurate and precise Islamic jurisdictions in finance, economics, political or educational undertakings, and all other matters. A Muslim governor must establish capital or corporal punishment upon this group of people in accordance with the principles of their religious or divine laws. They should also enjoy every protection that is naturally extended to the Muslim citizens residing in the same country
Theoretically, and as it was practiced in the early Islamic generations, such group must be distinguished from Muslim by specific code of dress maintained in public. They must not openly, or in a public places, do any thing that is considered insulting, insensible, insensitive or contrary to the Muslims faith and taste. For instance, they should not wear crosses, set up crosses in their public areas, hanging pictures or statues that are against Islamic faith and principles
Those readers who interested in a detailed account of rules , regulations and principles of dealing with non-Muslims residing in a Islamic governed country , who are called : “ AHLUTH-THIM-MAH” may refer to the book in Arabic entitled :” AHKAMU AHLITH-THIM-MAH”, authorized by Ibn –ul-Qay-yium
This book is reached, authentic and explicit for all they rights that this group enjoys, and all what is required from them in return as well