\In The Name Of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful

RIGHTS OF NON-MUSLIMS

A LECTURE DELIVERED BY IMAM LUQMAN ABDURRAHEEM, AMIR OF THE MUSLIM
CONGRESS (TMC) AT THE RAMADAN LECTURE ORGANISED BY THE MUSLIM
CONGRESS, SOMOLU ON 27-28, JULY 2013 (RAMADAN 18/19, 1434 AH)
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Todays lecture is an attempt to show-case what Islam has to offer as far as rights of non-Muslims are
concerned. Right of non-Muslims is a concept widely acknowledged as a tool for achieving communal
harmony and enduring tolerance among diverse interest groups. It helped the noble Prophet Muhammad
(SAW) in the building of a model state of Madinah al-Munawwarah. If knowledge about the rights of others
as taught by Islam are exemplified by modern Muslims in their various communities, organisations and
nations, they would be better appreciated, respected, honored, celebrated and revered by non-Muslims as it
happened several years back in India, Africa, Constantinople, Andalusia et cetera. It is unfortunate that in the
contemporary times poor understanding of rights of others has been the bane of crisis in the world. Allah
gave the following promises. He says:

Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly
grant them succession in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the
authority to practise their religion which He has chosen for them. And He will surely give them in
exchange a safe security after their fear if they worship Me and do not associate anything with Me. But
whoever disbelieved after this, they are the rebellious.Q24:54
Islam is knowledge and guidance put together. Abul Ala Maududi lamented that We are surrounded by
treasures, but how do we treat them? We play with them in the same way as that ignorant child who,
surrounded by diamonds, regards them as stones. My heart bleeds when I see us frittering away such
tremendous wealth and power through ignorance and foolishness.
Islam thrives on coexistence and constructive engagement with others. Allah says:

Say: O people of the Scripture! Come to a common word between us and you: that we shall
worship none but God, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto him, and that none of us shall
take others for lords beside God. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are
those who have surrendered unto Him. (Q3:64)

ISLAM AND THE CONCEPT RIGHTS

Three questions are relevant at this juncture, these are:
What is Islam?
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What is a right?
What is the link between Islam and rights?
Islam: What is its Meaning?
Islam emanates from the verb aslama, which means to submit to something. Technically, it means to submit
to Allah to gain His pleasure. Imam Hassan Al-Banna provided a working definition in his celebrated book
Risalat-ul-Talim. He defined Islam as a comprehensive system, dealing with all spheres of life; it is a
state and a homeland, or a government and a nation; it is morality and power, or mercy and justice; it is a
culture and a law, or gain and prosperity; it is jihad and a call, or army and a mission; and finally, it is
true belief and worship. It is an all-embracing religion that wants peace for man. Allah, the All Wise says:

And We have revealed the Book (the Qur'an) to you as an explanation of everything, a guidance, a
mercy, and good news for the Muslims.Q16:89
Islam envisages peace and it is not by coincidence that one of the names of Allah is As-SALAM (Source of
peace). We greet ourselves using a salutation tagged Taslim and we chant after every salat Adhkar reflecting
peace like Allahumma anta Salam, Wa minka Salam. The ideal society that Islam envisages on earth is Dar
us-Salam. The righteous will enter the abode of peace with the greetings of peace. Allah says:

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And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying): Salamun `Alaykum for you persevered in
patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!''Q13:22-23
The believers radiate peace and openly exhibit peaceful countenance even under provocation. He says:

And the servants of the Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth Hawna, and when the foolish
address them they say; "Salama.'' Q25:63-65
MEANING OF RIGHTS
Rights in Islam refer to benefits and privileges that Allah has given to all people irrespective of religious
inclinations, race and beliefs. It covers humanity, wealth, life, education, religion, property, market,
work/employment, citizenship et cetera. The rights of the non-Muslims in Islam are many and diverse, viz:
( rights of non-muslims)
( rights of the jews)
( rights of unbelievers)
( arights of followers of Ees)
( rights of angels)
( rights of jinns)
( rights of neighbours)
( rights of guests/visitors)
( rights of animals)
Abu Nadrah reported: I heard the farewell sermon of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon
him, and he said:

O people, verily, your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no favouritism of an Arab over a
foreigner or a foreigner over an Arab and neither red skin over black skin or black skin over red skin,
except through righteousness. Have I not conveyed the message? (Musnad Ahmad 22978).
Dr Zaydan stated that the Shariah, which is the legal and moral code of Islam, does not confine itself to
giving rights to Muslims only, BUT non-Muslim share many of these rights. As a matter of fact, the general
principle is that non-Muslims have the same rights and obligations as Muslims (Zaydan, Dr. Abd al-Karim,
Ahkam al-Dhimmiyin wal- Mustaminin, p. 62). For instance, Allah Almighty says:

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the
needy, the near neighbour, the neighbour farther away. Q4:36
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak goodness or be silent. Whoever believes in
Allah and the Last Day, let him honour his neighbour. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let
him honour his guest (Sahih Muslim 47).
Abu Shurayh Al-Kaab reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said three times:

By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe; the person
whose neighbour is not safe from his evil (Sahih Bukhari 5670).
According To Will Durant (The Story Of Civilization. vol. 13. p. 131-132):
At the time of the Umayyad caliphate, the people of the covenant, Christians, Zoroastrians,
Jews, and Sabians, all enjoyed degree of tolerance that we do not find even today in Christian
countries. They were free to practice the rituals of their religion and their churches and temples
were preserved. They enjoyed autonomy in that they were subject to the religious laws of the
scholars and judges.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stated:
Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, curtails their rights, burdens them
with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet
Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment. (Abu Dawud).
Caliph Abu Bakr as-Siddiq defined the rights of non-Muslims of Najran thus:
In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful. This is the written statement of Gods slave Abu Bakr,
the successor of Muhammad, the Prophet and Messenger of God (Peace be upon him). He affirms for
you the rights of a protected neighbour, in yourselves, your lands, your religious community, your wealth,
retainers, and servants, those of you who are present or abroad, your bishops and monks, and
monasteries, and all that you own, be it great or small. You shall not be deprived of any of it, and shall
have full control over it
Rights of peaceful neighbours to Imam Al-Ghazali (Rahimahullah) include the followings irrespective of his
religion: (i) Be weary of harming him; (ii) Greet him first; (iii) Do not bore him with lengthy conversation,
(iv) Visit him when he is sick, (v) Condole him when he is bereaved; (vi) Not to commit Zina
(fornication/adultery) with neighbours spouse; (vii) Not to steal neighbours belongings, (viii)
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Congratulate him when he achieves a success; (ix) Overlook his follies, (x) Do not poke into his privacies;
(xi) Do not inconvenience him by erecting walls, (xii) Do not poke your eyes into his luggage; (xiii) Do not
eavesdrop his conversation; (xiv) Lower your gaze from his influence; and (xv) You show concern for his
family in his absence.
PRINCIPLES OF RIGHTS IN ISLAM
Principle 1: The Quran establishes that all revealed religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) have sprung
up from the same source. Allah, the Wise says:

The same religion He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion ordained for Nuh, and that which
We have revealed to you, and that which We ordained for Ibrahim, Musa and `Isa saying you should
establish religion and make no divisions in it. 42:13
Principle 2: Allah directs that the status of all the prophets and messengers of God is equal. None of the
prophet is superior to the other by human judgment. Allah commands thus:

The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each
one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say,) "We make no distinction
between one another of His Messengers and they say, "We hear, and we obey. We seek Your forgiveness,
our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).'' Quran 2:285
For emphasis in another verse of the same chapter, Allah instructs:

Say (O Muslims): "We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been
sent down to Ibrahim, Isma`il, Ishaq, Ya`qub, and the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya`qub, and that
which has been given to Musa and `Isa, and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord.
We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted as Muslims. Quran 2:136
Principle 3: Allah instructs that there is no compulsion or coercion in the Religion of Islam. The Quran
states:

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path.
Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold
that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Quran 2: 256
Principle 4: That the places of worship of all religions must be respected, defended and supported. These
sanctuaries are essential like our Masjid. Allah says:

For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by another, Sawami (Monasteries), Biya
(Church), Salawat (Synagogues), and Masajid (Mosques), wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned
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much, would surely have been pulled down. Verily, Allah will help those who help His (cause). Truly,
Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. Quran 22:40
Principle 5: Allah commands cooperation, but preach what is with you. Allah will judge between you all on
where we differ. Allah says:

And help one another in righteousness and piety, but help not one another in sin and transgression. Q 5:
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Sincere discussion and debates are allowed in Islam, but Allah assures Muhsin with belief of paradise:

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And they say, "None shall enter Paradise unless he is a Jew or a Christian. These are their own desires.
Say (Muhammad): "Produce your Burhan (proof) if you are truthful.'' Yes! But whoever submits himself
to Allah and he is a Muhsin (righteous person) then his reward is with his Lord, on such shall be no fear,
nor shall they grieve.

The Jews said that the Christians are not on the right religion; and the Christians said that the Jews are
not on the right religion; though they both recite the Scripture. They only imitate the like word of the
pagans before them who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that
wherein they differ. Quran 2: 111-113
Principle 6: On this earth surface, the only parametre for measuring superiority of one man over another is
Taqwa (fear of God), which can only be determined by Allah Himself. Allah says:

O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that
you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has AtTaqwa. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. Quran 49:13
Principle 7: That the difference of creed should not stand in the way of doing mutual good to one
another or showing love, good treatment to blood relations and entertaining each other with
food/drinks despite religious differences. Allah instructs categorically:

This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you (At-Tayyibat). The food of the
People of the Scripture is lawful to you, and your food is lawful to them. Lawful to you in
marriage are chaste women from the believers and chaste women from those who were given
the Scripture before your time. Quran 5:5

Principle 8: That healthy preaching and discussion on creeds and ideologies are allowed in the forms of
counseling, chatting, debates, sound intellectual arguments, but in ways that are best. Allah says:

And argue not with the People of the Scripture, except with that which is better -- except with
such of them as do wrong (hate theologians). Q 29:46
With greater emphasis, Allah instructs further thus:

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them with that which is
best. Truly, your Lord best knows who has strayed from His path, and He best knows those who are
guided. Quran 16:125
Islam does not permit its followers to abuse non-Muslims on any ground, even if they are idolaters.

And insult not those whom they worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully
without knowledge. Q 6: 108

Principle 9: Decorum must be observed even in warfare. Jihad is allowed ONLY when the Muslim Ummah is
attacked or its people oppressed because of their creed and ideology. Aside from war situation, people of other
faiths are neighbours and they have fundamental rights that must be respected. As self defence in war situation
where the dignity of the Muslims has been abused, it becomes indispensable for Muslim soldiers to put up a fight
against such violence against their persons and properties.

And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the
transgressors. And fight them on until persecution is no more and Religion in its entirety is for Allah alone. Quran 2:
190 and 193

God only forbids you (from fighting), except with those who fight against you on account of religion, and have driven you
out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allah forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend
them, then such are the wrongdoers. Quran 60:9

Principle 10: Mercy toward non-Muslims. Islam urges Muslims to be magnanimous when they have upper
hands over their adversaries. Allah says:

And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the
transgressors. Q2:190
The Prophet (SAW) demonstrated unparalleled mercy and tolerance when he witnessed the scene of a man
urinating in the mosque of Allah. He stopped the companions from beating him. How forbearing he was!
When the Bedouin had nished and stood up to tie his garment around his waist, the Prophet (SAW) called
him gently. The Bedouin came and stood in front of the Prophet (SAW). The Prophet (SAW) said, The
mosques are not built for this purpose. They are only built for prayers and reading of the Quran.
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MANIFESTATION OF RIGHTS OF NON-MUSLIMS

1.
We must visit the sick irrespective if creed.
The Prophet said: On the Day of Resurrection, God the Mighty and Majestic will say: O child of Adam! I
became sick and you did not visit me! The person will say, O Lord, how can I visit you and you are the
Lord of all that Exists! God will say, Did you not know that my slave so and so became sick, and you did
not visit him? Did you not know that if you visited him, you would have found me with him? (Saheeh
Muslim)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) while in Mecca visited a pagan woman who throws filth and garbage upon the
Prophet whenever he passed her house. She was so taken aback by his merciful concern and that she
embraced Islam.
Anas b. Malik, also related that: A Jewish boy who serve the Prophet fell sick, so the Prophet said: Let us
go and visit him. They (the Prophet and his illustrious Companions) went to visit him and found his
father sitting by his head. The Messenger of God said: Proclaim that there is no true deity worthy of
being worshipped except God alone, and I will intercede on your behalf on account of it on the Day of
Resurrection. The boy looked at his father and the father said: Obey Abul-Qasim (Muhammad)! So
the boy uttered: There is no true deity worthy of being worshipped except God alone, and Muhammad is
the last Messenger. The Messenger of God then said: All praise is due to God Who saved him from the
Fire of Hell. (Ibn Hibban).
2.

Standing up for their corpses as signs of honour.

It is narrated on the authority of Jabir ibn 'Abdullah: There passed a bier and the Holy Prophet (may peace be
upon him) stood up for it and we also stood up along with him. We said: Messenger of Allah that was the
bier of a Jewess. Upon this he remarked: Verily, death is a matter of consternation, so whenever you come
across a bier stand up (Sahih Muslim, 2095)
3.

Praying for sick non-Muslims

Sheikh Mohamed El-Moctar El-Shinqiti, Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas, US, states, Imam
Al-Bukhari reports that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say this du`aa' for
people who are sick, whether he was visiting the sick person or the person was brought to him, whether
Muslims or non-Muslims. Adh-hibi al-basa, Rabba an-nas, ishfi wa anta ash-shafi, la shifaa illa
shifauka, shifaan la yughadiru saqaman (Remove the affliction, O Lord of Humankind, and send down
cure and healing, for no one can cure but You; so cure in such a way that no trace of illness is left).
4.

Relating with area boys among non-Muslims Wrestling with Rukaanah

On the authority of Muhammad Ibn Alee Ibn Rukaanah, who said, Verily Rukaanah wrestled the
Prophet (SAW), and the Prophet (SAW) took him down. (Sunan of Abu Dawud)
Shaykh, Abul-Hajjaaj al-Haafidh in his book Tahdheebul-Kaamil mentions: Rukaanah Ibn Abd-Yazeed
al-Qurayshee was from those who accepted Islam upon the conquering of Makkah. And he was the one
who wrestled the Prophet (SAW), and the Prophet (SAW) took him down twice or three times. That
was before he accepted Islam. It is said that this was without a doubt the reason he accepted Islam.
This hadeeth is the most firmly established report of the Prophets (SAW) wrestling.
Az-Zubayr Ibn Bukkaar said in his book an-Nasab, Rukaanah Ibn Abd-Yazeed said, If you can take me
down, I will believe in you. So the Prophet (SAW) wrestled him and took him down. He then proclaimed,
I testify that you are a magician! Later he accepted Islam.
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5.

Visit them to condole them in time of calamities. Dont ridicule them

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim in his well-known book Ahkam Ahl-Adhimmah said: it is permissible to offer
condolences to non-Muslims at times of bereavement, to visit them when they are sick, and to console them
when calamity strikes.
6.

Christian Najran were accommodated in the mosque

The Prophet ((pbuh) accommodated the Christian deputation from Najran in the year 10 A.H. They were
given free access to the Prophets mosque where they stayed for three days and had a religious discussion
with him on Holy Spirit. The mercy, kindness and gentleness of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was the
reason why people entered the religion of Allah.
7.

Accept their gifts and allow them to your house

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abdullah bin Zubair said, Qutaylah came visiting her daughter, Asma Bint Abi
Bakr, with some gifts such as Dibab, cheese and clarified (cooking) butter, but she was an idolatress at that
time. Asma refused to accept her mothers gifts and did not let her enter her house. Aisha asked the prophet
about his verdict and Allah sent down the Ayah [Surah Mumtahinah 60:8]. Allahs messenger ordered Asma
to accept her mothers gifts and to let her enter her house. [Ahmad 4:4, Vol.3 Hadith No.16111].
8.

The prophet (SAW) supports CBO and civil society

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) joined a coalition called Hilf-ul-Fudul. It was a body formed by people of
different faiths and ideological posturing to fight against injustice and engender fair commercial dealings in
Makkah. He joined before his Prophethood and never regretted his participation when he was ordained as a
messenger by Allah. According to Anthony Sullivan, the Hilf-ul-Fudil represents Islam's interest in human
rights and protection of fundamental human rights.
9.
Muslims must sign and honour peace agreement with non-Muslims
He stated further that Prophet Muhammad (SAW), later as a Muslim leader, accepted the substance of the
agreement made by non-Muslims Hudaibiyyah with Pagans and in Madinah with the Jews of Banu Qanuqah,
Nadir and Qurayzah.
10.

Literary/Intellectual displays

Islamic history revealed that the disbelievers of Qurayshi wrote ugly poems vilifying Prophet Muhammad
(SAW), Islam and his companions (RA). The prophet responded instructing the companions to respond with
well-composed rejoinders Hassan Bin Thabit is a seasoned poet who abused the Prophet (SAW) and Islam.
He sought repentance and was forgiven. He became the literary icon of Islam. The Prophet said to Hassan on
one occasion (RA), "Ridicule them (with your poems), and Gabriel is with you."
Al-Bara bin Azib said, "On the day of Quraizas (besiege), Allah's Apostle said to Hassan bin Thabit,
Lampoon them (with your poems), and Gabriel is with you (i.e. supports you) (Bukhari).
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THE PROPHET
Mahatma Gandhi, statement published in Young India, 1924:
I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of
millions of mankind I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for
Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the
Prophet the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his
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intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword
carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the second volume (of the
Prophets biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of that great life.
Michael H. Harts Top Most Influential Person in History-My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of
the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was
the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.Muhammad
founded and promulgated one of the world's great religions, and became an immensely effective political
leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive. The majority of
the persons in this book had the advantage of being born and raised in centers of civilization, highly cultured
or politically pivotal nations. Muhammad, however, was born in the year 570, in the city of Mecca, in
southern Arabia, at that time a backward area of the world, far from the centers of trade, art, and learning.
Orphaned at age six, he was reared in modest surroundings. Islamic tradition tells us that he was illiterate.
French Philosopher, Lamartine said: "Mohammad (PBUH) is the Philosopher, Orator, Apostle, Legislator,
Warrior, and Conqueror of fantasies.
Famous English playwright George Bernard Shaw said: ''The world much needs a man with Mohammad's
bright thinking. If a man like Mohammad were to assume the rule of modern world, he would succeed in
solving its problems and bring peace and happiness to it''
Thomas Carlyle, the English writer, said: ''I like Mohammad for his Hypocrisy-free nature... With clear
and sound words he addresses the Roman Tsars and Kings of Persia. He guides them to what he loves for
them in this life and in the eternal life''Famous Russian writer LEO Tolstoy believes that Mohammad's
religion will prevail lover the Whole World as it is in conformity with mind and wisdom.
Jean-Louis Michon, the French orientalist, said: ''Islam which ordered Jihad or Holy War, had much
tolerance with followers of other religions...
French historian Gustav Lobon said Mohammad is the Greatest man that History ever knew.
Will Durant, author of the Story of Civilization said: '' if we rated greatness by the influence of the great on
people, we will say Mohammad is the greatest of the great in history''
Allah the exalted crowned the personality of Muhammad (SAW) saying:






"..And you are certainly on the most exalted standard of moral excellence."Q68:4
SUSTAINING RIGHTS OF NON-MUSLIMS
We can sustain peaceful coexistence in Nigeria with the following efforts:
i.
Need for deep conviction that mutual rights are non-negotiable in a plural society.
ii.

Need to sensitise, propagate and educate the populace via sermons, seminar et cetera on ethics of
mutual rights.

iii.

Need to forge interfaith harmony through formal or informal platforms.

iv.

Need for clerics and non-clerics to defend the philosophy of mutual rights in their utterances.

v.

Need for fervent prayers for peace and peaceful coexistence: We should prayer for peaceful coexistence and the need for Allah to expose evil people who are threat to peace and peaceful co-existence
in Nigeria and the world at large.

vi.

Need for peace watchdog and whistle-blowing groups.

vii.

Need to have a think-tank who will be spokespersons of the Ummah.

Conclusion
Let us be among those that Allah directs thus:

Those who listen to the Word and follow the best thereof, those are (the ones) whom Allah has guided and
those are men of understanding. Quran 39:18
Luqman AbdurRaheem MNIM
Amir, The Muslim Congress
+2348023462555
Luq_man2001@yahoo.com
Was-salam alaykum,
Thanks for your attention.

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