FROM THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET

him which are beyond his physical capacities, and from whom things are taken without his consent." Another tradition recorded by Abu Yusuf in his book, ‘Al-Kharaj,’ mentions Caliph Umar as saying: ‘I advise whosoever is going to be my successor to be kind and just to ‘the people of dhimmah’ (non-Muslim citizens living under the protection of an Islamic state), to fulfill all their obligations towards them, to defend them against any external threats and not to compel them to do what is beyond their physical powers.’ It can therefore be said with great truthfulness that Islam has been remarkably unique in legislating laws with compassion and sympathy in matters relating to the non-Muslim citizens of a Islamic state. It is the duty of the Islamic state to provide internal and external security and religious freedom to its non-Muslim citizens. To offset this protection and exemption from defence service granted to them, Islam imposes a small tax, known as jizyah, which is to be paid only by those who are financially solvent. The rights and privileges awarded to the non-Muslim minority in an Islamic state have no precedent in the entire history of humankind. Here are some of the teachings of Islam that underline the need for justice and equality to the non-Muslims living in an Islamic state. It is stated in the Quran: ‘God does not forbid you to deal kindly and justly with anyone who has not fought you on account of your faith or driven you out of your homes.’ (60: 8) God also calls upon Muslims to strictly adhere to the principle of justice and equity while dealing with those who do not share their convictions. He says: ‘Do not let your enmity for others turn you away from justice. Deal justly; that is nearer to being God-fearing. Fear God. God is aware of all that you do.’ (5: 8) The teachings of the Prophet abound in similar injunctions. He has repeatedly commanded his followers to be kind and fair to their nonMuslim fellow-citizens and prohibited them from subjecting them to oppression or injustice and denying them their basic human rights and freedom. Non-Muslims were allowed to be ruled by their own laws, and to follow the tenets of their own faith. Muslims were prohibited from coercing them into acceptance of Islam. The Islamic state was bound to provide the People of the Book with full protection in old age, physical weakness, poverty and hunger. It is well-