The rights of non- muslims in islamic state
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Date
2018-04-03
Authors
Hisham, B.A.M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
Islam is a religion that provides guidance for human beings in every aspect of their life. It states clearly the rights of non-Muslims as well. The rights Islam has given to non- Muslims are clearly mentioned. However, there is a common notion prevailing in the society that Islam does not consider the rights of non-Muslims. Thus this research aims at discussing the misconception regarding the rights that Islam has given to non- Muslims. The non-Muslims who live in an Islamic state are called Dhimmis. Islam views everyone equally on the basis that they are “Human beings”. Accordingly, in an Islamic state Muslims enjoy all rights while even the Dhimmis could claim for such equal rights. They have the full rights on their part to claim for what is denied to them. The primary sources of Islam, the Quran and the Sunnah emphasize the very fact that the Dhimmis can experience and enjoy their rights. The importance regarding the rights of non-Muslims and the ways to protect their rights are very clearly mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah. The guidance that Islam provides is sufficient to explain the rights of non-Muslims. This research is based on providing answers to the question like what the rights of non-Muslims are and are they justifiable? This research examines the rights of non-Muslims under the Shariah. This study mainly used secondary data, which is qualitative in nature. Teachings of Quran and Sunnah, Historic books and related articles have been used to examine the research question. As far as Islam is concerned, it considers non-Muslims citizens, the Dhimmis as equal human beings and are given rights like the right to live, the right to possess property, religious rights, the right for education, the right to be treated equally before the law (Shariah), the right to seek protection and many others. Tracing back the history, it is evident that the current Islamic Human Right Declaration (1981) is based on the Madina Charter which was formed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This suggests the fact that non-Muslims living in an Islamic state have rights which are exactly similar to Muslims living in an Islamic state. Thus, this research indicates that privileges of Human Rights are enjoyed by all groups including non-Muslims regardless of their beliefs.
Description
Keywords
Dhimmis , Madina Charter , Islamic State
Citation
Proceedings of the PGIHS Research Congress (PGIHS-RC-2018), University of Peradeniya, p.35