No Compulsion in Islam?

[wel_mel_2]

Bismillah: Assalamo Alikum.

Bismillah


as salam alykom


Sorry Wael but I take what I said back. I m sorry CC, I made my reply without referring back to the link Wael gave me. <b>But still the reply on that link does not actually address the points CC brought up on this thread. Matter of fact they are totally different</b>.

Sister, CC did not make any point in the above post; It was only copy and paste from some anti Islamic websites to provoke us. If he was really looking for an answer, then he should’ve asked his question in a direct manner.


Anyway, Jazkai Allahu khiran and brother Al-fateh for your further clarification, hopefully this would help him and John to understand.


Salam


Wael.

[Al-fateh]

the term compulsion here is being misunderstood....


it is very obvious


due to the way the post was presented, and due to explanations that was given in referal to other biblical commandments.


compulsion in referal to the religion and what is right and wrong can be seen in this verse as well


English Yusuf Ali: [2:119]Verily We have sent thee in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner: But of thee no question shall be asked of the Companions of the Blazing Fire.


truth has been presented, a warning has been given, the consequences in on those who reject it... its simple


moreover


English Yusuf Ali: [3:3]It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).


and to seal it


English Yusuf Ali: [3:60]The Truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt.

[Muslimah]

Bismillah


as salam alykom


Jazakum Allah khairan fateh, for your clarification and complimenting my post. Actually, when I read your post, Alhamdulelah it was sort of paraphrasing to what I put with further clarification of how Quran is comprehensive in its approach.


Wael, even if he posted it to provoke us, this is part of Quran, we should just explain it the way it is either for him or others who come and visit. In all cases, why would i be provoked for reading Quran???? I enjoy it Alhamdulelah.

[Faith Hope Charity]

All for the greater glory of God.


Peace be with you!


Wael, please feel free to stick with your current standpoint on compulsion in the Bible. I'm reluctant to interpret these verses, but then again, there's nothing I love more than to study Scripture :)

Numbers 13:26-28


26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land.



27 They gave Moses this account: <b>"We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! </b> Here is its fruit.


28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there.

Wael, have you actually read this text? The spies return from Canaan (the Promised Land - Lebanon :wub: ) with a report of the inhabitants & a handful of grapes.

<b>"Now kill all the boys [innocent kids]. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man. </b>
(Numbers 31:17-18)"

Please click on one of the following links for an interpretation...


Post #35 http://islamsms.com/bb/index.php?showtopic=4165&st=20


Post #13 http://islamsms.com/bb/index.php?showt...7&hl=Midianites


Post #79 http://islamsms.com/bb/index.php?showtopic=4042&st=60

<b>"And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God
..." </b> (Deuteronomy 13: 5)


<b>"If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;"</b>
(Deuteronomy 13: 6)


<b>"Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people." </b>
(Deuteronomy 13:8-9)


<b>"Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword."</b>
(Deuteronomy 13:15)

Moses (who received the commandment, 'Thall shalt not kill') is not attacking anybody. This passage is about idolaters who wish to promote idolatry & break the covenant between YHWH & the Israelites. The measures taken to prevent & punish idolatry were purely defensive at that time & no longer apply. In Galatians, St Paul states that similar people who exist today shall be accursed not killed because the Mosaic Law is not withstanding anymore. The Israelites had to protect the Messianic Line which Christ descends from. Anything that separated them from YHWH was to be avoided. When you really study the underlying meaning of this passage you'll realize that the harshness & exemplary nature of the penalties helps to make it clear that faithfulness to the Lord is more important than anything/anyone else for obvious reasons. Because we've all become one in Christ, nations are no longer against nations. Idolatry will now be dealt with by God not Moses.

<b>"But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his trespasses. The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea: That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same."</b>
(Psalms 68:21-23)

This is poetry. Not to be taken literally.

<b>"And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter."
</b> (I Samuel 6:19)

Wael, if only you knew the profound meaning of this text. Very symbolic! The Ark of the Lord is the Blessed Virgin Mary who literally carries God's presence within her. In the O/T, the Ark wasn't allowed to be touched by anyone but the Levite Priests. This is to signify Our Lady's purity & virginity. When the Philistines in this passage stole the ark they were warned to send it back to the Israelites in order to save themselves. But instead, they did the unthinkable - they looked inside the ark. Big mistake! Let this be a message to all who profane & desecrate the Holy Tabernacles throughout the world. By doing so, you're asking for trouble.

<b>I guess we can clearly see a plenty of <i>no compulsion </i> in the Bible and freedom of religion.</b>

That's right! But if you use physical force in an attempt to make me a Muslim, I have a right to defend myself. Christianity is just, not passive.

Ready for you anytime CC, insh a Allah. Keep hitting your head :banghead:

Why bother? It's just not worth it!

when you introduce bible texts supporting compulsion

Just so you know, there's no such thing :)


In regards to "No Compulsion in Islam", when I read this I automatically assume that it implies we all have the freedom to practice & preach the religion of our choice. But that's not the case. No compulsion in Islam has conditions attached. Either you submit out of your own free-will or heavy restrictions apply to your life-style. In places like Saudi Arabia, infidels/dhimmies are forced to look like Muslims, talk like Muslims, act like Muslims & live like Muslims. You can't even become a citizen unless you're a Muslim. There might be a lack of compulsion in Islam, but I'm afraid there's also a lack of "freedom". I guess we'll just take what we can get for the time being.


Is it a sin for Muslims to befriend non-Muslims? Is this a command or a recommendation in Islam?


Thanks a lot & God bless.


<i>Faith Hope Charity Openness Tolerance Equality</i>

[wel_mel_2]

Bismillah: Assalamo Alikum:

That's right! But if you use physical force in an attempt to make me a Muslim, I have a right to defend myself. Christianity is just, not passive.

The same thing I am trying to say long time ago, FHC, if anyone use physical force to destroy our faith, <b>we have full right to defend it.</b>

In regards to "No Compulsion in Islam", when I read this I automatically assume that it implies we all have the freedom to practice & preach the religion of our choice. But that's not the case. No compulsion in Islam has conditions attached. Either you submit out of your own free-will or heavy restrictions apply to your life-style. In places like Saudi Arabia, infidels/dhimmies are forced to look like Muslims, talk like Muslims, act like Muslims & live like Muslims. You can't even become a citizen unless you're a Muslim. There might be a lack of compulsion in Islam, but I'm afraid there's also a lack of "freedom". I guess we'll just take what we can get for the time being.

<b>You have no idea about the absolute freedom of religion which was described in Islam:</b>


The Qur’an says:






15:2-3 "Again and again will those who disbelieve, wish that they had bowed (to God's will) in Islam. <b>Leave them alone, to enjoy </b> (the good things of this life) and to please themselves: let (false) hope amuse them: soon will knowledge (undeceive them)."


10:99-100 "If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth! <b>wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe! No soul can believe, except by the will of God</b>, and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand."



18:29 "Say, 'The truth is from your Lord': <b>Let him who will believe, and let him who will, reject (it)</b>: for the wrong doers We have prepared a Fire whose (smoke and flames), like the walls and roof of a tent, will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces, how dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on!"



27:92 "And to rehearse the Qur'an: <b>and if any accept guidance, they do it for the good of their own souls, and if any stray, say: 'I am only a Warner.'" </b>



10:99 "If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! wilt <b>thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe!"</b>



God Almighty Himself doesn't like us to compel people into belief.


"Say: 'Behold all that is in the heavens and on earth'; but neither Signs nor Warners profit those who believe not. Do they then expect (any thing) but (what happened in) the days of the men who passed away before them? Say: <b>'Wait ye then: for I, too, will wait with you</b>.' Quran, 10:101-102"



Please note how Allah Almighty orders us to say "Wait" to those who reject Islam. <b>This clearly says that we can't force anyone into Islam, or punish anyone for leaving Islam. </b>


<b>10:108 "Say: 'O ye men! Now Truth hath reached you from your Lord! those who receive guidance, do so for the good of their own souls; those who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not (set) over you to arrange your affairs.'" </b>



Whoever believes benefits his soul and whoever doesn't, harms it, and Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him is not in charge of people to arrange their affairs. Only Allah Almighty is.


"Say: 'Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger:<b> but if ye turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed on him and ye for that placed on you. If ye obey him, ye shall be on right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear (Message). </b> Quran, 24:54"



Prophet Muhammad's duty was only to preach.


"Those who pervert the Truth in Our Signs are not hidden from Us. Which is better? he that is cast into the Fire, or he that comes safe through, on the Day of Judgement? Do what ye will: Verily He seeth (clearly) all that ye do. (The Noble Quran, 41:40)"



Here we clearly see Allah Almighty giving a freedom of choice for people to choose or refuse Islam.


<b>Compulsion is incompatible with religion because religion depends upon faith and will, and these would be meaningless by force. </b>


The Quran tells the Muslims to listen to every thing and follow only the best of what is said. it does not tell them to kill people if they say something that is not according to the cultural norm or your beliefs.


<b>Alhamdulelah, The Quran is very clear about providing freedom of religion and choice to all people, Muslims and non-Muslims. </b>

Is it a sin for Muslims to befriend non-Muslims? Is this a command or a recommendation in Islam?

<b>The Qur’an says that we cannot take CERTAIN disbelievers as friends but not ALL.</b>


Chapter 4:144, the word <i>AWLIYAA</i> which was translated as “<i>FRIENDS</i>” does not really mean ‘friends’, but it means "<i>supporter</i>" or "<i>patron</i>", so basically the Qur’anic verse is saying that the <b>Muslims should not patronize the disbelievers instead of the Muslims</b>.

And this is a prohibition of God on the believers that <b>they should not be like the hypocrites and take the disbelievers as allies besides the believers</b>. So they will become like them (the hypocrites) if they do what God forbid them, which is allying themselves with the disbelievers. (Tafsir of Tabari, Commentary on Surah 4:144)

So God is not warning the believers to act like the hypocrites because the hypocrites would secretly aid the disbelievers against the Muslims. It is clear in the context of the passage that it is referring to the hypocrites when you read the next verse...


<b>4:145 The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt thou find for them;</b>



So the verse really means that we cannot aid the disbelievers against the Muslims.


In another commentery of Tafsir Tabari he says regarding Qur’an 3:28

this means that <b>we should not going supporting the disbelievers in their religion and that we should support ours</b>.

In another verse the Qur’an says:


5:57 O ye who believe! <b>take not for patrons those who take your religion for a jest or a sport</b>, from amongst those who have been given the Book before and the misbelievers; but fear God if ye be believers.



So we are not supposed to take CERTAIN people from the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) as friends and not ALL of them.


We are also not suppose to take those who are fighting against Islam as supporters.


So when the Quran says that we cannot be <i>awliyaa</i> of the disbelievers it just simply means that we cannot ally our selves and support them against the Muslims. We cannot be friends or supporters of those that mock our religion. There is absolutely nothing wrong with showing kindness to those who do not fight us and respect us.


for more information about this please visit this link: IslamOnline.Net


Salam


Wael.

[wel_mel_2]

Bismillah:


<b>Protection of Non-Muslims' Places of Worship </b>



SOURCE

Name of Questioner: <b>Milad </b>
Title: Protection of Non-Muslims' Places of Worship


Question: Could you please furnish us with a detailed fatwa about Islam's stance on protecting non-Muslims' places of worship such as Churches and Synagogues?


Date: 26/Nov/2006


Name of Mufti: Yusuf Al-Qaradawi


Topic: Da`wah to Non- & New Muslims


<b>Answer</b>


In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.


All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


Dear questioner, we commend your keenness on drawing people’s attention to the noble teachings of Islam. This reflects your true spirit and religious zeal. May Allah help you preserve your faith, amen!


First of all, we would like to make it clear that Islam’s teachings as regard non-Muslims and its keenness on granting them full protection is not confined to the sphere of worship. Rather, Islam’s mercy and great concern for non-Muslims cover all aspects of life. But here we will tackle only the point referred to in your question, revealing the shinning history of Islam with non-Muslims, and how their places of worship are given full protection.


In this regard, we would like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by the well-known erudite scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi in which he states the following:


Islam establishes a relationship with the people of different faiths on the basis of tolerance, justice, benevolence, and mercy. The basis of this relationship is Allah’s saying in the Qur’an: [Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just. Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these circumstances), that do wrong.] (Al-Mumtahinah 60: 8- 9)


According to the Qur’an, Muslims are required to deal with all people kindly and justly as long as they do not oppose or oppress Muslims or place obstacles in the way of spreading Islam.


Of non-Muslims, Islam gives special consideration for the People of the Book, that is, Jews and Christians, whether they reside in a Muslim society or not.


Being a divine religion revealed to guide all mankind, Islam tackles all aspects of man's life, regardless of whether he believes in it or not. That is why we see it granting many rights and privileges to non-Muslim citizens of the Islamic state. Muslims are ordered to show full consideration to this injunction and give due respect to non-Muslims' places of worship, which are part and parcel of their property enjoying full protection in Islam.


Protection of property:


The Islamic government is bound to protect the properties of non-Muslims. In his book Al-Kharaj, Abu Yusuf sheds light on the Prophet’s contract with the people of Najran: “Najran and its neighboring area are in the security of Allah, the Almighty, and His Messenger. The property, religions and churches of the inhabitants, as well as properties, whether much or little, are under the protection of the Prophet.”


`Umar ibn Al-Khattab, in his letter to Abu `Ubaydah ibn Al-Jarrah (may Allah be pleased with them both) wrote: “Prevent Muslims from wronging or causing harm to them (non-Muslims) or taking their property illegally.”


Freedom of worship:


This means the freedom to practice any religion or ideology and not to be forced to adopt a certain faith or compelled to convert to Islam. This is based on the verse:


[Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.] (Al-Baqarah 2: 256)


Commenting on the verse, the famous exegete Ibn Katheer states: “Don’t force anyone to embrace Islam as it is clear and self-evident in its proofs and realities and does not need to exert force to be accepted.”


Islam protects the places of worship of non-Muslims, and allows them to observe their religious ceremonies. Allah says:


[To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged;- and verily, Allah is most powerful for their aid;- (They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right,- (for no cause) except that they say, "our Lord is Allah". Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid his (cause);- for verily Allah is full of Strength, Exalted in Might, (able to enforce His Will).] (Al-Hajj 22: 39-40)


In the reign of `Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the religious freedom of the citizens of Ilya (Jerusalem) and the sanctity of their synagogues and places of worship were confirmed: “This is the protection which the slave-servant of Allah, `Umar, the Commander of the Believers, extends to the people of Ilya: The safeguarding of their lives, properties, churches, crosses, and of their entire community. Their churches cannot be occupied, demolished, or damaged, nor are their crosses or anything belonging to them to be touched. They will never be forced to abandon their religion, nor will they be oppressed. None of the Jews will live with them in Ilya….” (At-Tabari, Tarikh, Vol III, p. 609, ed. Dar Al-Ma`arif, Egypt.)


Khalid Ibn Al-Waleed, in his covenant with the People of `Anat, wrote: “They are allowed to ring the bells at any time of the day or night, except in the time of the Islamic prayer times. They are allowed to bear their crosses in their festivals.” (Abu Yusuf, Al-Kharaj, p. 146)


Muslims not only allowed non-Muslims to enjoy the freedom of their faith, but also let them follow their way even though some of their practices might conflict with the religion of the majority. Actually, this is the highest degree of tolerance. Muslims tolerated the religious practices of their minorities by not prohibiting even those practices which were contrary to the state ideology.


History bears witness to the fact that Muslims accepted and applied the Islamic laws to an extent that has no parallel in the history of mankind. The fair and tolerant approach they show to other faiths are no secret.


Asserting the tolerance of Muslims, Tritton says:


“Muslim rulers frequently went beyond what was required of them in their relations with non-Muslims. The best example of this is the presence of churches and other (non-Muslim) places of worship in purely Arab (Muslim) cities. Government departments always had Christians and Jewish officials who were sometimes given very sensitive and influential posts. Some non-Muslims thus acquired great wealth. In addition, Muslims were accustomed to sharing with Christian their festivals.” (Khartubali, Hasan Ali, Islam and Ahl Adh-Dhimmah, p. 256)

[Faith Hope Charity]

All for the greater glory of God.

The same thing I am trying to say long time ago, FHC, if anyone use physical force to destroy our faith, <b>we have full right to defend it.</b>

You misunderstood. I have a right to defend <b>myself</b> from harm... not my faith. I can't turn violent whenever someone attempts to destroy Catholicism - half the population would cease to exist :lol: But as human beings, we're all equal in dignity & worth & when an aggressor is attacking an innocent person & threatening their life, the innocent person has a right to protect themselves using legitimate self-defence. This rule doesn't apply to Religions (from my side).


Thanks for posting the info. Very interesting. The answer given by the Mufti was somewhat okay in theory, but truth be told, some of what he said is so contrary to the reality of the practice of Islam in many parts of the world today, although the situation's improving slowly, so there's reason to be optimistic :)


<i>"According to the Qur’an, Muslims are required to deal with all people kindly and justly as long as they do not oppose... Muslims or place obstacles in the way of spreading Islam."</i>


I took out the word "oppress" because that's a whole other story. Anyways, the above statement/Ayah would be fine if the same could be said for other religions but because Islam sets a double standard, I strongly reject this view. You're asking the world to accept Islam as a superior religion & that's definitely not freedom, it's dead-set compulsion.


Sorry! I don't mean to constantly disagree with you guys.


Peace & blessings!

[wel_mel_2]

Bismillah: Assalamo Alikum.

You misunderstood. I have a right to defend myself from harm... not my faith.

Prophet Muhammad pbuh said:


“A believer who would integrate and mingle with others waiting patiently to be harmed by them is better than a believer who would neither mingle with them nor would be harmed by them”.



The Prophet never responds to personal attacks or harm, the most precious thing to the Prophet pbuh was not his life or himself as a person, it was <b>HIS MESSAGE </b> and this is the only thing in which he fight for when he was attacked by the unbelievers. Now I remember how many times you said that you too do not respond to personal attacks, but now you have changed your mind and gave yourself rights to defend yourself and not your faith.

Thanks for posting the info. Very interesting. The answer given by the Mufti was somewhat okay in theory, but truth be told, some of what he said is so contrary to the reality of the practice of Islam in many parts of the world today, although the situation's improving slowly, so there's reason to be optimistic

We are here to present the proper image of Islam using the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad pbuh, there is no need to compare Islam by Muslims (how many did we repeat this sentence?) :conf06:

"According to the Qur’an, Muslims are required to deal with all people kindly and justly as long as they do not oppose... Muslims or place obstacles in the way of spreading Islam."
I took out the word "oppress" because that's a whole other story. Anyways, the above statement/Ayah would be fine if the same could be said for other religions but because Islam sets a double standard, I strongly reject this view. You're asking the world to accept Islam as a superior religion & that's definitely not freedom, it's dead-set compulsion.

What double standard are you talking about?

Sorry! I don't mean to constantly disagree with you guys.

Its ok, you may disagree all the way FHC, no harm.


Salam


Wael.

[Faith Hope Charity]

In the Name of the Father & of the Son & of the Holy Spirit - One God - now & forever. Amen.


May the peace of Christ be with you!

The Prophet never responds to personal attacks or harm, the most precious thing to the Prophet pbuh was not his life or himself as a person, it was <b>HIS MESSAGE </b> and this is the only thing in which he fight for when he was attacked by the unbelievers. Now I remember how many times you said that you too do not respond to personal attacks, but now you have changed your mind and gave yourself rights to defend yourself and not your faith.

Personal attacks on these boards don't harm me. Besides, I was referring to physical force (self-defence) when an unjust aggressor threatens my life.


I'd die for The Faith but I wouldn't kill for it (to do so would be contrary to what it stands for anyways).

We are here to present the proper image of Islam using the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad pbuh, there is no need to compare Islam by Muslims (how many did we repeat this sentence?) :conf06:

Wael, you need to realize that people interpret & live out Islam in various ways. It's a reality that you can see for yourself just by looking out the window. The proper image according to one mufti in Australia is completely different to that of a mufti in Canada, or Tunisia, or Malaysia, etc. I'm still trying to figure out which way is the correct way in Islam. Bear with me, please.

What double standard are you talking about?

Islam requires that nobody oppose or place obstacles in the way of Muslims proselytizing, yet that's exactly what Muslims do to non-believers in Islamic countries. Hence, a double standard.

Its ok, you may disagree all the way FHC, no harm.

Cheers mate!

[wel_mel_2]

Bismillah: Assalamo Alikum.

Personal attacks on these boards don't harm me. Besides, I was referring to physical force (self-defence) when an unjust aggressor threatens my life.
I'd die for The Faith but I wouldn't kill for it (to do so would be contrary to what it stands for anyways).

Jesus himself said in the Bible <b>'Honor your father and mother' and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death
.</b>' So maybe you wouldn’t kill anyone, but Jesus give the order of killing those who mistreat their parents. You always present your personal opinion which is totally respected, but don’t try to associate that with the Bible.

I'm still trying to figure out which way is the correct way in Islam. Bear with me, please.

The best way is the way of Prophet Muhammad pbuh and his companions, just try to stick to their way.

Islam requires that nobody oppose or place obstacles in the way of Muslims proselytizing, yet that's exactly what Muslims do to non-believers in Islamic countries. Hence, a double standard.

That is not true, in Egypt there are so many Christian missionaries preaching their faith freely without any difficulties, and in other Islamic countries as well.


i advise you to read the following article.

<b>Non-Muslims' Right to Protection of Life </b>
By Dr Zakir Naik


Islam condemns the killing of human beings and provides full protection to the non-Muslims under covenant(the Dhimmis).


Islam teaches that Allah (swt) is the sole Creator, Sustainer and Absolute Master of humanity, the Universe and all creation. He has given all humans honour and dignity. He has breathed into humankind of His own spirit. All humans are born equal and form one universal community.


Every person, irrespective of the country of his or her birth, and irrespective of his or her religious beliefs, has some basic human rights simply because he/she is a human being.


Human beings are a special creation of Allah (swt). Human life is given by Allah (swt) alone, and as such, belongs to Him. None has the right to take human life without any just cause. Human blood is sacred and should not be spilt without justification. Violating this rule is equivalent to killing of the entire humanity.


Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an:


“… Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption (done) in the land - it is as if he had slain humankind entirely: and whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” 1


None has any right by himself to take human life in retaliation or as revenge or for prevention of corruption – this matter has to be decided only by a competent court of law. Thus, it is incumbent on every human being that under no circumstances should he be guilty of taking a human life. These instructions have been repeated in the Glorious Qur’an in another verse:


“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden (to be killed) except by (legal) right.” 2


In all these verses, the word ‘soul’ (nafs) has been used in general terms, which does not apply to the citizens of any country, or people of a particular race or religion, but it rather applies to all human beings without any distinction.


The Prophet (pbuh) has declared homicide as the greatest sin only next to polytheism. The tradition says: “The greatest sins are to associate something with God and to kill a human being…”3


In an Islamic state, every individual, whether Muslim or Non-Muslim has a right to protection of life and it is the duty of that state to provide security to the people living within its boundaries. The lives of Non-Muslims are equally important as that of Muslims.


The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever killed a Mu’ahid (a person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of 40 years (of travelling).” 4


The fourth Rightly Guide Caliph, Ali (RA) had said: “They pay Jizyah so that the sanctity of their lives and properties may become like that of ours (i.e. the Muslims).” 5


The Dhimmis (i.e. Non-Muslims under covenant) are given the assurance of protection and support of the Islamic state that includes every aggression from outside and every oppression and tyranny within, so that they may live on a stable basis in perfect peace and tranquility; protection from outside is their right in the same way as that of the Muslims.


Imam Qarani Maliki in his book “Al Farooq” cites the saying of Imam Ibn-e-Hazam Zahiri from his book “Maratib-ul-Ijma”:


“If those at war with us catch hold of some dhimmi and bring him to our country, it will be binding on us to come out and give them (our enemies) a fight with our full might and for the protection of the life of that dhimmi, who has been offered protection by Allah and His Messenger. We should lay down our lives since without that much action, allowing them to do with the dhimmis what they like shall be regarded avoiding the proper discharge of our duty (towards the dhimmis).” 6


All of the above evidences prove that Islam condemns the killing of human beings and provides full protection to the non-Muslims under covenant (i.e. dhimmis); not only from within the Islamic state, but also from any type of attack from outside the state.


A striking example of this principle being put into action can be seen from the concern shown by Ibn Taymiyah ® to the Jews and the Christians who were dhimmis:


When Syria came under the domination of Tartars, Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyah ® went to their commander Qatlu Shah; for the release of the prisoners of war. Qatlu Shah agreed to the release of Muslim prisoners, but refused to release dhimmis. Shaykh-ul-Islam ® said that they could not allow Jews and Christians to remain prisoners since they were under the protection and as such their responsibility. “We cannot leave behind any prisoner, Muslim or Non-Muslim”. Qatlu Shah in view of the stern attitude of Ibn Taymiyah ®, set free all of them.


References


1. Surah Al-Maidah 5:32


2. Surah Al-An’aam 6:151


3. Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol.9 Hadith No.6871


4. Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol.9 Hadith No.6914


5. Al-Mughni Vol.13 p.49 & 250


6. Al Farooq Vol.3 p.14-15 n

Source : islamic voice


Salam


Wael