Importance of Treating Non-Muslims with Respect in Islam

Importance of Treating Non-Muslims with Respect in Islam

1. Contemporary Context of Muslims in Non-Muslim Lands

Muslims today living in non-Muslim countries operate under implicit or explicit agreements (عهد), such as citizenship, residency visas, or social contracts, establishing mutual rights and responsibilities. Contemporary Islamic scholars (e.g., Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Islamic Fiqh Councils) agree that these agreements are modern manifestations of covenants (`ahd) that require Muslims to respect laws, customs, and public order.

2. Qur’anic Principles

• Human dignity and universal honor:
  “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:70)
• Justice and kindness towards peaceful non-Muslims:
  “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes—from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Surah Al-Mumtahanah, 60:8)
• Respectful dialogue and good manners:
  “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:125)

3. Prophetic Examples Relevant Today

Trustworthiness:

• Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, known as al-Amin (the Trustworthy), was entrusted by non-Muslims even amidst conflict, exemplifying ethical and trustworthy interactions.

Respect for human life:

• The Prophet ﷺ stood for a Jewish funeral procession, emphasizing shared humanity:
  “Is it not a human soul?” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Compassion towards the sick:

• Prophet ﷺ visited a sick Jewish boy who served him, demonstrating genuine compassion beyond religious boundaries. (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Honoring covenants:

• The Prophet ﷺ consistently honored agreements, such as the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, with all parties, regardless of their faith or hostility. The Qur’an instructs explicitly:
  “And fulfill every covenant. Indeed, the covenant is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.” (Surah al-Isra’, 17:34)

Protection of rights:

• Severe warnings were given by the Prophet ﷺ against harming non-Muslims living peacefully under Muslim protection:
  “Whoever kills a Mu‘āhid, will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

4. Contemporary Understanding of Mu‘āhid

Traditionally, Mu‘āhid referred to non-Muslims protected under a covenant with Muslims. In contemporary contexts, scholars interpret this concept to include non-Muslims living peacefully alongside Muslims under mutual coexistence, such as fellow citizens, neighbors, colleagues, and community members.

Imam Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani explains:
“The Mu‘āhid is everyone with whom Muslims have a covenant of peace, protection, and non-aggression.” (Fath al-Bari)

5. Relevant Principles from Usul al-Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)

Universal dignity (Karamah Insaniyyah):
Recognition of intrinsic human dignity irrespective of religious affiliation.

Avoiding harm (La darar wa la dirar):
Prohibits causing harm to others and stresses mutual respect and safety.

Custom (Al-‘Urf):
Respect for local customs of interaction and coexistence unless explicitly prohibited in Shariah.

Preventing greater harm (Sadd adh-Dharā’iʿ):
Avoidance of behavior potentially leading to broader harm or misunderstanding about Islam.

Islam mandates respect toward non-Muslims, grounded in Qur’anic directives, prophetic traditions, and foundational jurisprudential principles. Muslims today living in non-Muslim-majority contexts must actively embody this respect practically, upholding the values of dignity, justice, compassion, and peaceful coexistence exemplified by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.