General Rules for dealing with non Muslims

General Rules for dealing with non Muslims




Islam orders Muslims to deal kindly and justly to all non Muslims as long as they do not oppose or oppress Muslims or place obstacles in the way of spreading Islam.


Religious differences are matters left for God to decide, we are NOT allowed to judge each other. We are responsible for neither punishing nor rewarding any one for his faith. The Holy Quran says:
“And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together. So, will you (O Muhammad) then compel mankind, until they become believers.” (Yunus:99)


“Verily, those who believe (in Allah and in His Messenger Muhammad), and those who are Jews, and the Sabians, and the Christians, and the Magians, and those who worship others besides Allah, truly, Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Verily! Allah is Witness over all things.”(Al-Haj:17)

God has ordained justice and the best of morals. Oppression is refused in Islam against all beings and Allah threatened all oppressors. The Holy Quran says: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well Acquainted with what you do.” (Al-Maidah:8)


Our Noble Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Beware the supplication of the oppressed, for indeed there is no barrier between it and Allah” (Al-Bukhari)


The Quran prohibits serious religious discussions with malice and hatred for they result only in hostility and arouse prejudice, resentment and bitter feelings. The Holy Quran says: “And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong, and say (to them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilah (God) and your Ilah (God) is One (i.e. Allah), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims)." (Al-Ankabut:46)


It is not permissible for Muslims to transgress upon non-Muslims, not in their person, their wealth or their reputations if they are formal residents in a Muslim country, have a treaty with Muslims or are under Muslim protection, rather they must be given their rights.


There is nothing to prevent Muslims from dealing with non-Muslims in relation to buying, selling, and renting and so on. It has been authentically narrated that the Messenger of Allah bought items from Jews and had similar dealings with them, he passed away leaving his breast plate as collateral with a Jew for food that he had bought from him.


Actually the general rule that Muslims should follow when dealing with non-Muslims is based on the verse: “Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity. It is only as regards those who fought 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 Zalimun (wrong-doers those who disobey Allah).” (Surah60:8-9)


Non-Muslims are not outside the Jurisdiction as is the case with Jus civile. Likewise, Muslims are not supposed to consider themselves as 'Lords of the population of the globe' as they are 'Servants of Allah'. They are merely custodians of Allah's property and not the absolute owner. The distinction in the terms 'Muslims' and 'Non-Muslims' merely remains one of political administration not of human rights.


It is essential for every Muslim to treat with respect one's parents, brothers and sisters and other relatives no matter what their faith is. They should try to help them in the hour of need, provided they do not profess to be open enemies of Islam.


In order to achieve peace among different communities, Islam perched against the abusing of even idols and other objects of worship of other people. The Holy Quran says: "Do not abuse those whom they worship besides Allah" (6:109). To ensure peace even laughing is prohibited. The Holy Quran says: "Let not one people laugh at another perchance they may be better than they" (49:11).