Non-Muslims do have equal rights. An Islamic ruler must fight on behalf of them. We must respect their Aqaid. The judge must not call them on their festival days.
Rasulullah SAS told the jews (summary) "You are Jews, do not burden on the sabath day"
Hazrath Umar RA gave freedom to non-muslims to celebrate their festivals, they use to celebrate freely without any fear. Used the bell, took Cross in procession, had religious gathering etc.
Although Syeduna Umar RA was ambitious of propagation of Islam. This was common in all treaties signed by muslims. "The locals need not convert, no interference in their religious practices"
Hazrath Umar RA believed in presenting Islam through preaching and counselling, rejected presenting Islam forcibly.
Once again, selective, pacifist use of knowledge in order to justify by whatever means necessary one's inability or unwillingness to do what really matters.
You can try all you want, maybe even start quoting the Christians about how to "love thy neighbor" but Jihad is almost upon us and you won't be able to find a way around it and in Sha Allah we will be butchering these same neighbors very soon and taking great pleasure in it because we will be doing it for the sake of Allah.
I think this thread is fine. Our behaviour towards non Muslims in some cases is also dependant on other factors such as their behaviour towards us and also the legal classification of the country in question.
From my limited knowledge, I believe there are 2 plus 1 classifications of a country.
1. Darus salaam (Muslim country - debatable if this includes all muslim countries or just shariah compliant countries).
2. Darul aman (non muslim country where Muslims live in peace).
3. Darul harb (non muslim country who are in conflict with muslims).
From what I have understood from some ulama and Al-Hidayah, Muslims are not citizens or ummatis of non muslim countries. They are guests living under a treaty with the non Muslims. Muslims no matter where remain ummatis of Islam and are under islam and the khalifah (providing there is one). The allegiance of a muslim is always with Islam and the khalifah.
When a muslim resides in a non muslim country then he is bound by certain laws as implemented by the shariah. These laws work both ways. These laws determine the Muslims behaviour towards the non muslim and also towards himself.
We are required to live within the constraints of the laws of the non muslim country, UNLESS the said laws are in conflict with Islamic laws. If it is then we are required to go against those laws. If for whatever reason we are forced to follow those laws and we have no other choice then inshallah we will not be to blame.
There are certain behaviour endorsed by Islam towards non Muslims living in darul salaam. A couple of examples being, 1. Not moving out of the way when a non muslim is approaching from the opposite side, 2. Not greeting a non muslim first.
As for non muslim places of worship in darus salaam, from what I remember they are not allowed to build new places or repair and maintain the old places.
I am writing this to illustrate how our behaviour towards non Muslims is determined by other factors.
Of course, general good behaviour is a given. Such as being good and kind to your neighbours. But this is for all, Muslims and non Muslims alike.
In Islam there is a distinct separation between Muslims and non Muslims which protect the iman of the muslim. Such as not attending their festivals and not attending their funerals.
Due to what is going on in India, I feel these points are very important.
We are Muslims. Not Christians. We are not pacifists. We do not turn the other cheek as a rule. Yes, if it is in our best interest to keep our heads down and carry on, then that is what we will do until a time comes when we can raise our heads again and Islam prevails again. And Islam WILL prevail in India. This is Allah's promise. But in the interim period we must not lose our identity and forget who we are, who the non Muslims are, and what our ultimate aim is. The mushrikeen of India are directly at war with Allah. They are not our friends. They are not our allies.
My non-muslim neighbors won't hurt me. My posts are relevant to that. You had a bad neighbor, you do your ijtihaad and go and kill him. And face the consequences.
Let us live peacefully. Don't make us to lose whatever we have.
A long long time ago I was also conflicted by these issues. If it weren't for the majalis of Indian Ulama explaining what Shari'ah demands of me in the Indian setting, I would have been lost today. You are not bound to listen to our Ulama. It is in our best interests to listen to our Ulama.
Please don't take this to mean I am trying to antagonize you. I am just saying Islam has the capacity in it to be adaptable to any region of the world a Muslim may find himself in and live peacefully.
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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