PLACES OF WORSHIP OF NON-MUSLIMS, THEIR RIGHTS AND OUR DUTIES Islam; A Religion of Peace A Marvelous Message of Peace, Aafiyat& Serenity The three killed were not Hindu’s but ours Islamic Teachings & Protection of the Worship places of Non-Muslims Prophet Muhammad Istighasa In favor Of Non-Muslims to Allah Same Law For Both Muslims & Non-Muslims The Treaty between the Muslims & Mushrikeen Respect ofWorship Places of Non-Muslims by the Prophet of Islam Sahaba Gave Written Testimony to Protect the Churches Victory of Egypt and freedom of worship to the Christians Jamia Masjid Damascus & the Area Dedicated for the Church It is Forbidden in Islam to look down upon NonMuslims Gifts for the Non-Muslims who gave constant pain Amnesty for Non-Muslim who gave hardship through the night Imām-e-Azm released drunk Non-Muslim from Prison TasbeehKhana and Honor of the sleep of NonMuslims Accountable to Allah by disturbing a NonMuslim’s sleep: Message of TasbeehKhana
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Salahuddin and His Christian Subordinates Fair Treatment of the Mughal Emperors towards Non-Muslims Mughals Always Protected The Religion of NonMuslims Muslim – non-Muslim riots were neither written, nor read nor heard during the Mughal Era Verification by Encyclopedia Britannica Level of Fair-Treatment with Non-Muslims Muslim Emperors; Well-wishers of the Worship Places of Non-Muslims Rule of law without discrimination of Religion, color and Race Ottoman Empire and Fair-Treatment With The Christians 10 Wills of Hazrat Abu BakarSiddiq Hazrat Abu Ubaidah and Protection of the Life &Worship Placesof the Christians Hazrat Umar’s Protection for the Churches Unique Fair-Treatment of Hazrat Umar with the Non-Muslims Ameer-ul-Momineen’s Concern for NonMuslims on Death-Bed Tolerance of Banu Umayya with Non-Muslims Love and Affection with Non-Muslims Muslim Ruler and the Protection of a Church Tolerance of Mu'tasim bi-'llah General Tolerance of the Abbasis with the NonMuslims Acting Khalifa Attended Funeral of A Christian Hakeem Honour to The Christian Historian Final Word
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Preface During the reign of Ibrahim Lodhi, an issue of demolishing a mandir arose while construction. The Hindus were not giving permission to demolish it. A great mufti of Muslims was called in the court to advice. On hearing the complete account, the mufti gave the fatwa that the Mandir cannot be demolished. Although this decision was cumbersome for the King and the public, but he stood by his words and history is the witness that the Mandir was exempted. Islam is not only peaceful itself but also holds clear principles of the safety of the society. The verse of Quran “whoever kills a soul, it is as if he has slain mankind entirely ” is in reality expressing the summary of an unseen relation amongst each individual, sect, religion, class and nations. The history of Islam is witness that if a successor kept Ikhlaq-e-Muhammadi superior in an Islamic Kingdom, then in their rein, nonMuslims and their places of worship were protected similar to the Muslims. And they were provided same freedom as the Muslims. In each era, there are such bright incidences on which not only the Islamic history is proud, rather the non-Muslims historians have also mentioned them in an impressive, appraising manner. The bright examples of these incidences are the conditions of Ahl-e-Allah. Baba Fareed ’s brotherhood and tolerance with the followers of Sikh religion is no secret. His name is present in the holy books of Sikh religion as a religious leader. Khuwaja Moin-ud-Din Chishti ’s behavior, his forgiveness, and humanitarianismis a true reality. Hazrat Khuwaja
Abdullah says that be a flower and not the thorn; be a friend and not a stranger. These all incidences are a small glimpse of Islam’s tolerance with the nonMuslims. The humanitarianism of Ahl-e-Allah is a proof of this reality that the true followers of Islam not only loved non-Muslims passionately. Rather their affection tied the non-Muslims in the golden chain of love. In the current times when conditions are violent, troubles and the worries of distances is common, it is a need more than before to understand the real teachings of Islam and build the relation of humanity from scratch on the basis of sincerity, bricks of love and cement of behavior and a message should be delivered to the world that Islam is the religion of peace, brotherhood and love. Be it East or West, North or South, poor or rich, literate or illiterate; respected officer or poor labor; we all are brothers. This book is a small effort to bring in limelight the tolerance and mutual association amongst the Muslims and non-Muslims. If from the burning incinerator of hatred, even a single spark is extinguished, I would not consider my efforts being gone to waste. Come! Become my companion in this mission and spread this message of ‘The Centre of Peace and Spirituality’ in the world. Desirous of Sincerity and Compliance Writer: Hakeem Muhammad Tariq Mehmood Chughtai Majzoobi ﻋﻔﯽ اﷲ ﻋﻨہ The Centre of Peace and Spirituality
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PLACES OF WORSHIP OF NON-MUSLIMS; THEIR RIGHTS AND OUR DUTIES [From the pen of Editor Hakeem Muhammad Tariq Mehmood Majzoobi Chughtai] Islam has mentioned everyone’s right with affection and love. Even the rights of animals have been detailed. Ubqari is the pasban of the rights of Muslims & non-Muslims. Islam; A Religion of Peace: Islam is from prosperity. It means that it will not deceive or hurt anyone. Nor would it be hurt or tormented by anyone. Or we can say that a Muslim is such from whose being, everyone shall stay peaceful and withaafiyat. That is the reason it is an order in Islam to spread salaam and many benefits have been told. Islam is from peace and momin is that person from whom humanity gains peace; meaning giving way to prosperity, aafiyat and well-wishing. That is why the name of our Prophet Muhammad PBUH’s mother was Hazrat Amina; Amina (safe one) is from Amn (peace). The name of Prophet Muhammad’s daaiis Haleema. Haleem also points towards hilm (forbearing) and peace. The name of our Prophet’s midwife was Shifa. Shifa also points towards blessing, aafiyat, peace and prosperity. When we observe all these examples then we see that Islam points towards being a peaceful and religion of tranquility. A Marvelous Message of Peace, Aafiyat& Serenity: Our Holy Prophet Muhammad practiced extreme fair-treatment with the non-Muslims. People
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tormented the Prophet over the years and anguished him so much that he was forced to leave Makkah. When the Prophet returned to Makkah as a victor, he was wearing a black turban and his head was bent so low that it was touching the hump of the camel. Prophet Muhammad kept both his hands on the doors of Ka’aba and made such an announcement which is a unique message of peace, aafiyat and tranquility. The announcement was: ‘Today, I forgive everyone’. Children were given peace; women were given honor; old were pardoned. Amnesty was declared for fighters, cruel and the ones doing blood-shed. He forgave everyone in such a manner that a standard of respect and grace was developed amongst everyone. Not only him, but his companions, Ahl-eBait رﺿ ﻮان اﷲ اﺟﻤﻌ ﻴﻦ, Tābi'ūn saints, Saliheen exercised such fair treatment with the non-Muslims which shall stay as an example and a message till the end of this world. Come! Let’s judge our attitude whether we feel hatred, love, tolerance or cruelty towards non-Muslims. The three killed were not Hindu’s but ours:Hindu-Muslim riot is a trend in Gujrat. I was sitting in the company of the great scholar Maulana Muhammad Kaleem Siddiqui ( )داﻣ ﺖ ﺑﺮﮐ ﺎﺗﮩﻢduring Haj. He said, “When I returned back from Haj, I came across a few unfamiliar faces amongst the familiar ones. During the conversation I got to know that they were talking about the recent riots in Gujrat. They said that during the riots, 3 Hindu’s and 2 ours died. I interrupted that 3 of our people were killed. They said no;their three! But I was constantly insisting that our 3 were killed. Finally, I said to them that the ones killed were not Hindu’s but ours. Their father Hazrat Adam ﻋﻠﻴ ہ اﻟﺴ ﻼمand mother
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Hazrat Hawwa ﻋﻠﻴﮩﺎ اﻟﺴ ﻼمare the same; we are human brothers. Islam has given love amongst us. Islam is the religion of tolerance, enduring, forbearing and sincerity” Islamic Teachings & Protection of the Worship Places of Non-Muslims: According to the Islamic teachings, safety of the life and property of the non-Muslims is just as important as that of Muslims. The non-Muslims who reside in Muslim states or even if they don’t; Muslims should protect their life, property, honor and their places of worship. Prophet Muhammad
Istighasa In favor Of
Non-Muslims to Allah: Prophet Muhammad shared a principle that the blood of non-Muslims is like our blood and their property is venerable like our property. Another saying of the Prophet is: ‘The person who mistreats a non-Muslim and harms his life or property, then I shall ask for help in favor of the non-Muslim on the Day of Judgment in front of Allah.’ Same Law For Both Muslims & Non-Muslims:In Islam, the law of Diyat (khoonbaha) is same for both Muslims & non-Muslims. Similarly, the law of Qisas (equal retaliation) applies on the murder of both Muslims as well as non-Muslims. Same is the case in earning a livelihood and protecting the property. There is no difference among Muslims & non-Muslims. A Muslim’s hands are cut off as a punishment of theft; same is ordered for a non-Muslim. There is no compulsion or force in Islam regarding religion: Religious matters are more important than property. That is because Islam is not in favor of force or
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violence in matters of religion. Allah says in the Holy Quran that: Translation: there is no compulsion in religion (Surah Baqarah). The Treaty between the Muslims &Mushrikeen: This treaty is the best example of tolerance. Prophet Muhammad organized this treaty amongst the Muslims, Jews and Mushrikeen according to which everyone had complete freedom to practice his religion. Non-Muslims were free to worship according to their customs to the extent that Prophet Muhammad allowed the Jews from Najranto carry out their religious rituals in a particular area in Masjid-eNabwi. Respect of the Worship places of Non-Muslims by the Prophet of Islam : What else can show a greater level of tolerance than the regard and respect which Islam carried out with the non-Muslims; it is exemplary. When Muslims faced victory in Sham (Damascus) and BaitulMuqaddas, there were many churches there. Muslims maintained them as it is. Hazrat Umar-Bin-Abdul-Aziz ordered his governors neither to demolish any cathedral and fire temple nor to put it to fire. Prophet Muhammad always kept the custom of religious emotions and respect of the places of worship intact. A clause in the treaty made with the Christians of Najran was that no church shall be demolished and no religious scholar shall be exiled. [Reference: Abu Dawood] Sahaba Gave Written Testimony to Protect the Churches:Allama Shibli shared other clauses of the
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Treaty of Najranthat priests, pujari and rahib shall not be suspended from their posts nor shall their crosses and idols be broken. When the battle of Sham was won, Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed
prepared a document in the presence of Hazrat
Abu Ubaidah and Hazrat Umr-Bin-Aas and four other witnesses in which 14 churches were mentioned and gave a written testimony about its protection. [Al BidayaWalNihaya; Vol 7] Victory of Egypt and freedom of worship of the Christians: Even at the time of victory of Egypt, Muslims signed a testimony of protection of the churches and gave the authority to Christians to worship freely in their Cathedrals and say whatever they wish. Muslims always regarded the places of worship of others. Jamia Masjid Damascus & the Area Dedicated for the Church: When Hazrat Ameer Muawiyah tried to add Yohanna Church in the Jamia Mosque of Damascus, the Christians did not agree and therefore he dropped his idea. Afterwards, Khalifa Abdul Malik Ibn-e-Marwan added it forcefully. During the era of the fair Khalifa,Hazrat Umar Bin Abdul Aziz , Christians pleaded and gave the reference of the act of Hazrat Ameer Muawiyah that he gave up on our request and did not included the area of Yohanna Church in the mosque. Thus, Hazrat Umar Bin Abdul Aziz issued an order to the governor of Damascus to return the area of the church which had been added in the masjid back to the Christians. Finally, the Muslims requested and pleaded and convinced the Christians and gave a lot in return and this is how the mosque was saved. [Reference: Futuh al-Buldan]
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It is forbiddenin Islam to look down upon NonMuslims: Much historical evidence proves that Muslims acted with great heartedness even in pure religious matters of other nations. Irrespective of religion, the places of worship are affiliated with worship of God. Hurting the worshippers, killing them or looking down upon them is declared haram. Gifts for Non-Muslims who gave constant pain: The orders of fair treatment which Islam has issued for blood relations such a sister, brothers, neighbors, life partners, debtors, sick and weak are not aimed only towards Muslims. It does not apply only to Muslims and momins. This order of fair treatment is for all Muslims. Prophet of Islam presented a handsome amount to the residents of Makkah during drought, although these were the same people who were Non-Muslims and who had given constant hardships. Ummul Momineen Hazrat Safiya رﺿ ﯽ اﷲ ﻋﻨﮩ ﺎdistributed 30,000 dirhams amongst her Jew relatives. Bestowing Non-Muslim Neighbors: It is related with Hazrat Abdullah Bin Umar that he got a goat slaughtered and ordered to send it to his neighbors. On the return of his slave he inquired whether his Jew neighbor was given the meat as well. The answer was in denial. He the meat especially to his Jewish neighbor.
sent
Affection & love towards Non-Muslim prisoners of Battle of Badar: Prophet of Islam made such a great setup of love, forbearing, affection and bestowing that they were dressed in new clothes before departing.
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Amnesty for Non-Muslim who gave hardship through the night: A neighbor of Hazrat Abdullah Bin Mubarak was an ironsmith. We come across many incidences in this context. One of them is that the neighbor played the drum throughout the night but Allah’s friend never complained. One day, his other non-Muslim friends who used to attend his gatherings said to him that a great scholar Abdullah Bin Mubarak lives nearby. He must be worshipping at nights; don’t you care for him? They all collectively came to him to apologize. All he replied was, “I give you permission; I have no complains with you.” Imām e Azam got a drunken Non-Muslim released from Prison: A cobbler lived in the neighborhood of Imam-e-AzamAbu Hanifah . Whatever he earned as livelihood, he bought wine with it. Then he gathered his friends; played songs & made noise. This happened for years. One night, Imam-e-Azam heard that the noise was not made. He got to know in the morning that police had caught him. He changed his clothes and went to the court of the governor in his carriage. Governor welcomed him with much respect and asked about his visit. Imam-e-Azam requested for the release of his neighbor. The governor accepted his request and went to the prison himself and took the notice of release along with. Finally, the cobbler was so touched with the fair treatment that he did penitence from all bad activities. Tasbeeh Khana and Honor of sleep of NonMuslims: At Tasbeeh Khana Lahore, we have zikrbiljahar after Fajr prayers in a loud voice but I have cautioned my companions that the voice should not be very loud as we have
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two churches next door. The sleep of non-Muslims should not be disturbed. This is not just the act of me ( )داﻣ ﺖ ﺑﺮﮐ ﺎﺗﮩﻢbut of great muhadditheen, fuqaha, scholars, Allah’s men and Allah’s saints. If non-Muslims lived near their house, they never disturbed their sleep by their zikr. Accountable to Allah by disturbing a nonMuslim’s sleep: Islam tolerates well-wishing of anyone to this extent. This is written in the book of fuqaha that if the moazzin given Fajr adhan before its time has entered, and any Muslim or non-Muslim wakes up then that moazzin shall be accountable in front of Allah. Message of Tasbeeh Khana: The message of Tasbeeh Khana is the message of peace and tranquility. That is why its name is ‘The Centre of Peace and Spirituality’. Ubqari has been publishing monthly episodes of ‘Prophet of Islam’s Fair Treatment with the Non-Muslims’ since years. On one hand, Ubqari Trust is constantly serving humanity and on the other hand, we have it on the record that it is contributing in serving non-Muslims. Come! Let’s quit the temperament of intolerance and keep the broad-mindedness of Islam and religious tolerance in view. Islam got into agreements and treaties with the Jews and Christians and then they gave the reward through human compassion, guarding the rights of non-Muslims and forbearing. Tolerance and Generosity of Salahuddin Ayubi: When Salahuddin Ayubi entered Bait-ul-Muqaddas as the conqueror, the proof which he gave of his tolerance, generosity and human affection is praised even by the European analyst. Edward Gibbon writes that it is just to
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praise the kindness of the Turk conqueror. He did not let the humbled, face any trouble or misery. He could have acquired heavy sums from them but he freed 70,000 prisoners in return of a meager amount of 30,000 only. Plus, he freed two to three thousand people due to his kindness. Thus, the prisoners were reduced from 14,000 to 11,000. When Queen of Jerusalem came to him, he not only spoke very pleasantly but also lowered his gaze and became tear-eyed. Edward Gibbon also writes that SalahuddinAyubi distributed charity amongst the orphans and widows. He provided all kind of facilities for the injured of the war. He was just to be strict towards the enemies of the Quran but the kind & liberal proof which he gave is not only praiseworthy but also lovable (For details see Edward Gibbon’s History Of The Decline & Fall Of The Roman Empire- V6; p499-500) Salahuddin and His Christian Subordinates: Stanley Lane Poole writes in his book ‘Saladin’ that when Jerusalem was being handed over to the Muslims, the army of the Sultan, elite people and officers had managed a setup in the streets. These soldiers and officers curtailed all kind of victimizing so that no Christian was hurt. All exits of the city were guarded. A much respected ameer was assigned at Bab Dawood so that all travelling to and fro could pass without interrogation. (Reference: Saladin by Stanley Lane Poole – p202). Fair Treatment of the Mughal Emperors towards Non-Muslims: Professor Ram Prasad Khosla writes in his book ‘Mughal Kingship and Nobility’: “The justice and equality which was maintained during the era of Mughals and the religious tolerance policies were such that the public was
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always contented. Politics and religion were deeply connected in the Islamic Empire but due to the Mughal’s religious tolerance, no danger was formed. It was never attempted in any era to force the religion of the emperor over its public’s religion. Aurangzeb did not even keep Islam a requirement for gaining employment. Although the King was considered as the guardian of Islam but they never bounded their public; be it Christian, Jew or Hindu” (p297; Edition 1934) Mughals Always Protected The Religion of NonMuslims:Parmatma Saran writes in his book “Provincial Government of the Mughals” that the Government of Mughals at its peak was one of the top Governments of the world but the demands for humanity with which they dealt with the non-Muslims shall be remembered till the end of this world. They did not practice force against the non-Muslims and always demanded justice for their places of worship. Muslim – Non-Muslim riots were neither written, nor read nor heard During the Mughal Era: Sir John writes in his book ‘History of Warfare’ that women and children were being killed along with the culprits. They were not hanged - Rather they were burnt in their village or were shot. The English did not hesitate to feel pride that they do not spare anyone. Killing was their hobby. For three months, morning till evening, 8 vehicles brought dead bodies which were seen hanging in the passages and markets. Sir John writes this sadly that this was the behavior of these cruel people which they did in 1857. But if I see the life of the Mughal Emperors at their peak, they always developed each aspect of the lives of the non-Muslims and gave them respect, honor and position. This is why they gave rights, place, and
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protection to East India Co. and gave them complete opportunity to develop. Sir John writes that Hindu – Muslim riots were neither read nor heard. (Reference: Rise of the Christian Power in India. Author: B.D.Basu. p285) Verification by Encyclopedia Britannica: It is mentioned in the 11th edition, Volume 10 of Encyclopedia Britannica that all scholars of Europe accept the fact that wherever the Muslims ruled, they maintained demands of justice, equity and affection. They provided protection to their subordinates irrespective of their religion, according to the teachings of Islam. Level of Fair-Treatment with Non-Muslims: Likewise his fellow-countrymen and co-religionists, Sir Valentine Chirol has gathered a masterpiece of the history of the Turks. He has written ‘The Turkish Empire’ along with Lord Eversley. In the last chapters, while mentioning the achievements of the Turks, he wrote that for 300 years, 10 kings and 1 president Kosoli took part in the expansion of this empire. During this period, he achieved constant success and victory. Within this era in 1402, he met rulers like Timur and Mongol, waged wars, faced victory, bore defeat. But the most note-worthy thing which the Turk Emperors did was that they practiced extreme fair-treatment, religious intolerance and forgiveness. These are big examples for the kings of today. (Edition 1921; p426) Muslim Emperors; Well-wishers of the Worship Places of Non-Muslims: Lord Eversley discusses Sultan Abdul Majeed, who was the Turk Ruler and he ruled Saudi Arabia as well as the whole Middle-East. He says that the
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Sultan had many strengths and qualities, instinctively. He was the greatest person of all the rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Another quality besides these was that his nature was not of passing laws to squash the non-Muslims or to give tough punishments. Rather, he always remained a well-wisher of their rights and safety of their places of worship. (Reference: Turkish Empire; p313) Rules of law without discrimination of Religion, color and Race: According to the French writer, Mehmood Saani took care of his Christian public. When he did tours, he met the Christians and fulfilled their demands. He listened to their complaints, cleared their issues, and made them contented and happy. Justice prevailed among the public, irrespective of the discrimination of nations. (WalazoneKaneer. Urdu Translation.History of the Ottoman Empire. V2: p78) Ottoman Empireand Fair-Treatment With Christians: George Finally writes in his renowned book “History of the Greek Revolution” that the Ottoman Empire was much powerful than Europe at few positions. On the other hand, it was the most tolerant. Even if they captured anyone’s body, they left its mind free. The lower class of its Christian public was comparatively more developed mentally than their European counter-parts. (History of the Greek Revolution by George Finlay. V5: p288; V6; p18. History of the Ottoman Empire. V2: p27. Edition 1920) Unique Example of Mercy with Non-Muslims: The European writer has written a strange thing that initially the Muslims lived in the deserts and then they spread through
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the world. There were black and white amongst them but their greatest quality is that they left behind strange examples of mercy. They practiced fair-treatment with their prisoners, their children and even with their widows. They never disgraced them, provided quality education to the children and arranged schools and teachers for them. (Reference: Historian History of the World. V12: p467. Ottoman Empire V1: p461) 10 Wills of Hazrat Abu-Bakar-Siddique
: When
Hazrat Abu-Bakar-Siddique sent his troop for the purpose of Syria (Sham), he addressed the Chief of the Army that you shall face such a nation who has donated themselves for the worship of Allah; meaning the Christians – Leave them. I give you 10 wills: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Do not kill any woman Do not kill any child Do not kill any old Do not chop off a fruitful tree Do not desert any populated place Do not slaughter a goat beside the purpose of eating Do not burn an oasis Do not do fraud in the war booty Do not act like a coward
[Tareekh-ul-Khulafa 96.KhulafayayRashideen # 16]
Hazrat Abu-Ubaidah and Protection of the Life &Worship Places of Christians: When Hazrat-AbuUbaidah proceeded from Damascus towards Hamas; the area belback came on the way. The natives requested for
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safety. Hazrat Abu-Ubaidah gave a written testimony of the protection of their life, property and churches. He wrote: ‘( ﺑﺴ ﻢ اﷲ اﻟ ﺮﺣﻤﻦ اﻟ ﺮﺣﻤﻦIn the name of merciful Allah) This protection is for etc. etc.; for the residents of Belback; for its Roman, its Persians, and its Arabs; for their lives, for their churches, for their palaces; for the ones entering and exiting. Their posts are protected. Romans are allowed to graze their animals within a diameter of 15 miles, to avoid entering the places of worship in the months of Rabi-ul-Awwal and Jamadi-ul-Awwal. They are free to enter anywhere after passing of these months. Their protection is in it so that they stay safe. Whoever shall embrace Islam, his rights shall be same as ours and so shall his obligations. Those who do not embrace Islam, they shall not be forced. Their traders are allowed to travel within those cities with which compromise has been made. Whoever stays on their religion, Allah is their witness. [Balazari Arabic p136. Urdu translation 207-208] Hazrat Umar’s Protection for the Churches: When Bait-ul-Muqaddas was conquered, a treaty was signed among the locals in the presence of Hazrat Umar
that this
is the protection which Ameer-ul-Momineen has given to the people of Eeliya. This protection is for their place, money, church, and cross, healthy, ill and for all religions. Nobody should reside in their churches nor demolish them. The churches and their boundary should not be harmed. Their crosses and money should not be decreased and no harm or force shall be levied in the matter of religion. [Reference: History Abu JafarJarirTibri; Conquer of Bait-ul-Muqaddas. V5 p420; Al-Farooq V2 p136-137]
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Unique Fair-Treatment of Hazrat Umar with the Non-Muslims: Once while passing, Hazrat Umar Farooq saw an old man begging. He inquired his religion; the answer was Jew. He inquired that why do you beg? He replied, “I have aged and become needy; I have to pay the amount of poll tax as well”. On hearing this, Hazrat Umar took him to his house. Heed him with much respect; fed him and gave him few things from his house. Then he called the treasurer of Bait-ul-Mal and ordered them to take care of such and other such needy people. ‘This is against justice that profit is gained by charging poll tax at young age and when they become old, they are left helpless.’ Then he recited this verse:“( ”اﻧﻤ ﺎ اﻟﺼ ﺪﻗﺎت ﻟﻠﻔﻘ ﺮاء واﻟﻤﺴ ﺎﮐﻴﻦ۔۔۔innama alssadaqatu lilfuqari waalmasakeeni……[SurahAt-Tauba: 60] where fuqarai means the needy Muslims and masakeen means that the non-Muslims are included too. After this, handicapped and masakin (needy) Jews, Christians and other religions were exempted from poll tax. [Kitab Al-Kharaj: Chapter 13. V2] Ameer-ul-Momineen’s
Concern
for
Non-
Muslims on Death-Bed: Hazrat Umar was thoughtful about the Non-Muslims, even on his death-bed. In his orders, he insisted his successor Khalifas to exercise good behavior with the Non-Muslims. [Kitab Al-Kharaj: Chapter 13. Volume 2] Tolerance of BanuUmayya with the NonMuslims: A great example of the tolerance of BanuUmayya is that in their conquered areas, especially in Sham and Iraq, the official language stayed Roman and Persian instead of Arabic. Even in their tax department, other nations were made
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the guardian instead of the Arabs. [KitabAl-Mamoon; p161]. During the reign of BanuUmayya, Hazrat Ameer-Muawiya encouraged the Non-Muslims a lot. He assigned a Christian as the Chief of the court. IbnAasaal was a Christian. Ameer Muawiya
gave him a respected post in Hamas. He
was a doctor too and therefore Ameer Muawiya got few books of Herbal Science translated by him in Greek so that the non-Muslims of Greece could also gain from that book. Love and Affection with the Non-Muslim: A Jew, MaasirJees, was a popular doctor of the court of Marwaan Bin-ul-Hukm. He translated the encyclopedia of Bishop Iran in Arabic from Suryani language. Khalifa Marwaan Bin-ulHukm kept him designated on a high post and kept him showered with his gifts. Besides this, he had affection with his public at large; meaning non-Muslim public too. Muslim Ruler and the Protection of a Church: S.B. Scott writes thatin Saqlia, there were thousands of palaces of the Muslims and their beauty was exemplary for the Muslim cities but the thing which they protected was a church. They maintained it and rather, beautified it. [Akhbaarul-Andalas. V2. P75] Fair-Treatment With Non-Muslims and their Worship Places: Abdul Rahmanud Daakhil’s son Hishaam 1 refreshed the memories of Hazrat Umar-Bin Abdul-Aziz by his character and way of ruling. Besides his other marvels, one is no discrimination among the poor and rich for justice. Acting humbly and favorably; punishing the officials who torture their subordinates and his fair-treatment with the
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non-Muslims and their places of worship. This was the manner of another ruler of this family, Abdul Rahman Saani, as well. Same honor is affiliated with another ruler of this family, Abdul Rahman Saalas. After his death, a note-book was found from his papers on which it was mentioned that, “I am leaving after ruling successfully and peacefully for 50 years. My friends and foes are happy with me. Kings around the world wish for my friendship. There isn’t one thing which my heart desired and I didnot acquire. I have counted those days during which I was carefree and I was actually carefree; I was bestowed with real happiness.” S.B.Scott writes that Abdul RahmanSaalas had such a big heart for the NonMuslims that even a lion’s heart shall be smaller. Renowned Historian Dozy writes that Abdul Rahman Saalis’s army was the best army of the world but they never unleashed the sword for the non-Muslims. He always practiced fair-treatment with the non-Muslims and their places of worship. [History of Saracens; p112 - 114] Tolerance of Mu'tasim bi-'llah: Successor of Maamoon, Mu'tasim bi-'llah always practiced best behavior towards the non-Muslims. His competition was with the Romans. He always informed about the weak area of the soldiers of Theonas King, even if he has to face a loss himself. He always treated the Roman prisoners, along with their children, women, animals, fields, gardens, forts and their tomb. [For details see TareekhIbnAseer. V6. p166] General Tolerance of the Abbasis with the NonMuslims: A friend of Mamoon was Abdul Maseeh Bin Ishaaq Kundi. He was his best friend. Kundi was a nonMuslim. The elegy which Kundi wrote for Mamoon after his
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death is worth reading that: “Mamoon is that person who was positioned due to his knowledge, level and marvels but he was at the top for his prestige & glory. Throughout his life, he never practiced force to embrace Islam. He protected my Christian rights. He never criticized nor uttered any bitter word about my beliefs of Christianity.” [Reference: AlMamoon] Acting Khalifa Attended Funeral of A Christian Hakeem:Khalifa Mu'tasim bi-'llah was much obliged with a Christian hakeem, Salmoea, to the extent of friendship. Salmoea fell ill. The Khalifa went to inquire for his health & kept visiting him till his death. On that day, he did not eat food & ordered to keep his dead body in Dar-ul-Khalaafa. The Christian relatives were giving him smoke according to their religion. They had lit lamps. Khalifa did not express annoyance. Rather, he stood for the funeral along with the Christians. [Reference: Al-Mamoon; p162] Honour to Christian Historian: George Bin Gabriel was a great Christian Historian. During the reign of Khalifa Mansoor, the Khalifa gave him much ace and respect. When George fell ill and expressed his wish of returning back to his country, Mansoor gave him50, 000 gold coins along with a note ordering no harm to him and to provide complete protection. Khalifa Mansoor was himself very learned and experienced. He never tapped the places of worship and religious traditions of the non-Muslims. [Reference- Topic: Tarajim–Maulana Shibli Nomani . Conversations. V5] Philip K. Hitti writes that all the leaders of the Muslim areas always bestowed greatness towards the non-Muslims and gave them gifts. Their behavior was same with both the
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Muslim as well as non-Muslim culprit. They never harmed the non-Muslims in crusades in Palsia, Venice and Geneva. The role of Muslims is significant in the development of the non-Muslims, politically and economically. Muslims never demolished the places of worship and traditions of the NonMuslims. Nor did they try to eradicate them. [History of Arabs; p636] Final Word:Readers! Ubqari has started a journey of the world with the message of peace and tranquility. History is a witness of the way this world has attended to this message of peace and spirituality. Ubqari is not only popular among the Muslims but also among the Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Jews as much as it should be. Ubqari has brought a message of spirituality and peace for not only Muslims but for the humanity; non-Muslims are a part of humanity. Come! Let’s join hands for serving the humanity equally, irrespective of religion, nation, language, area and group. End the message of violence and spread the antiviolence message to the world. End the message of lowtolerance and spread the message of tolerance among the humanity.