In short, it was this declaration of protection of and responsibility for the non-Muslims, on the basis of which the non-Muslim citizens of a Muslim state were described as Dhimmis. True, this term has come to carry some dangerous connotations because of its wrong interpretation by some ignorant Mullahs. But in the great days of early Islam, the term Dhimmi signified the sacred responsibility of Muslims to protect all the rights of the non-Muslim citizens, and that the non-Muslims would have the fullest opportunities to live in peace without the least threat or danger to their security. The term Dhimmis was a source of pride both for the Muslims and non-Muslims.
The institution of Dhimmis contained the secret of the greatness of a government; and the public, irrespective of creed or community to which it belonged, took pride in being the citizens of a state of this kind. The term, at no stage, signified restraint against the fundamental rights of an individual nor did it mean to subject him to the restrictions of a subject and a slave.
That in the days of the Holy Prophet (sas) and his successors, this principle of equality was followed in its highest sense is an open chapter of World history. No distinction was made between a Muslim and a non-Muslim in social and civic affairs. Every officer of state was issued clear directions particularly to protect the rights of non-Muslim citizens, to respect their dignity and honour and not to give them any cause or occasion for complaint.