Relations with Non-Muslims

Before this note is brought to a close, it would not be out of place to mention the teaching which has been given by Islām with respect to relations with other non-Muslim governments or non-Muslim citizens who live in an Islāmic State. In this regard, first and foremost, the principle presented by Islām states that the standard of equity and justice should be equally applicable to all people. It is unlawful for people of the same nation to be treated with justice and equity but when the question arises with regards to others, this principle is forgotten. As such, Allāh the Exalted states:

“O ye Muslims! Step forward to establish goodness and equity in the world for the sake of God. The opposition of a certain people should not deter you from following a path of equity and justice; rather, you should deal with everyone in a just manner. This is what righteousness demands. Hence, demonstrate righteousness and remember that God closely watches your actions.”1

This verse serves as a foundation stone for relations with foreign governments and nations, because it alludes to the fundamental principle upon which international relations should be established. If one contemplates, this is such a golden principle that if both parties act upon it fully, not only will international relations never deteriorate, rather, they shall be maintained in such a pleasant manner that even the possibility of such a thing will cease to exist. However, it is unfortunate that in dealing with others, most people practically disregard this principle.

After this comprehensive prohibition, Islām takes up the issue of treaties, because this is the most significant question which arises in international relations. Thus, He states:

“O ye Muslims! Fulfill your covenants, because you shall be answerable to God with respect to your covenants.”2

In accordance with this principle, it has been declared compulsory for a Muslim to fulfill his covenants with immense loyalty and trustworthiness; and not to commit an action which is against the spirit or wording of these covenants and agreements.

The fulfillment of covenants in Islām has been ordered so strictly that Allāh the Exalted states that if a Muslim nation is engaged in an agreement with a non-Muslim nation, and then, another Muslim nation calls upon the Muslim nation for support against the one which is non-Muslim, the Muslim nation should not give them aid at all. Instead, the Muslim nation should remain firm upon its covenant. Hence, Allāh states:

“As for those who have become Muslim but have not migrated to join the Islāmic state, you are not responsible for their protection, until they migrate and join you. But if they seek your help in the matter of religion, then it is your duty to help them. However, if they seek your aid against a non-Muslim nation between whom and yourselves there is a treaty, then do not assist them at all, and remain firm upon your covenant in any case; and know that Allāh the Exalted watches over your actions.”3

Could there be a greater teaching with regards to the fulfillment of covenants, and equity and justice?

As regards to non-Muslim citizens, the Holy Prophet(sa) states:

“A Muslim who is guilty of killing a covenanting non-Muslim, who has entered the Muslim state by way of a treaty (either textual or by way of action), shall (in addition to receiving a worldly punishment) not even perceive the breeze of paradise on the day of resurrection.”4

Then, He states:

“O Ye Muslims! Listen well! I shall seek justice on behalf of such a non-Muslim on the day of resurrection before God, who is in a covenant with the Islāmic state, if he is wronged by another Muslim, caused any harm, or given a responsibility or burden beyond his power, or deprived of something without his pleasure and consent.”5

However, it should be remembered that Islām does not only speak of treatment which should be abstained from. Quite the contrary, Islām does not merely state that one should not usurp the rights of a non-Muslim and nothing more; rather, it enjoins good and benevolent treatment towards non-Muslims as well. Therefore, Allāh the Exalted states:

“O Ye Muslims! Where God has forbade you from befriending those cruel disbelievers who fight against you in order to wipe out your religion, this does not imply that you should not befriend those non-Muslims who are not bent upon putting your religion to an end by force, and do not persecute you. On the contrary, you should treat such people with goodness, justice, and benevolence. For Allāh loves those who are equitable.”6