The first Muslim State that was founded by the Prophet Muhammad included both Muslim and Jewish tribes. Islam acknowledged the existence of the Jews and did not seek to assimilate them. If only the Jews had remained loyal to the covenant on which the Muslim State was established, the Muslims would have remained loyal to them.

Islamic law expressly recognizes the right of non-Muslims to preserve their beliefs. One of the most characteristic features of Islam is the award of judicial, social and cultural autonomy to these communities. As a result, they are routinely referred to as the "dhimmis", in the technical terminology of the law. Legally, the term refers to certain rights which must be protected by the state.

The dhimmis or the protected subjects enjoy protection of life, liberty, property, and honour. Full freedom of conscience is given to them. They are exempted from compulsory military service and payment of zakat. However, their able bodied males have to pay jizyah in lieu of military service. Islamic state deals with the dhimmis of all denominations as members of a community, not as individuals. Shari'ah governs the relations of the dhimmis with both individual Muslims and the Islamic state on the basis of religious distinction. All the internal relations of the dhimmis are left to be regulated by the laws of the religion to which they adhere.

 

Non-Muslim Minority under the Islamic Shari'ah

 

Links to Non-Muslim Under Islamic State

• The Treatment of Minorities - the Islamic Model

• Minorities in the Islamic State

• Tolerance in the religion of Islam

• On Religious Tolerance

• Minorities in Islamic State

• Minorities and Islam

• The Islamic concept of Human Rights

• The Muslim Khilafa

• Other Religions

• Rights of Non-Muslims in an Islamic State

• Letter of Rasulullah

• The Message Of The Prophet To The Omani People

• The Punishment Of The Punishment Of The Apostate According To Islamic Law