اسلام میں غیر مسلم اقلیتوں کو مذہبی آزادی

Islam, Minorities and Religious Freedom

Abstract

Islam is a religion of mercy to all people, both Muslims and non-Muslims.  The Prophet was described as being a mercy in the Quran due to the message he brought for humanity: “And We have not sent you but as a mercy to all the worlds." (Quran 21:107). Islam is based on peace, harmony, love and compassion in dealings with non-Muslims. All historians agree that there is not a single example in the entire Islamic history in which non-Muslims faced religious oppression by the Muslim caliphs. These just relations between Muslims and people of other faiths were not due to mere politics played by Muslim rulers, but rather they were a direct result of the teachings of the religion of Islam. One which preaches that people of other religions be free to practice their own faith, only accepting the guidance offered by Islam by their own choice.  God says in the Quran: “There is no compulsion in religion…" (Quran 2:256). Therefore there is need to analyze the teachings of Quran and Sunnah along with the practices and dealings of Muslim Rulers with Non-Muslims to investigate the effects of religion in disputes and conflicts between Muslims and Non-Muslims. This research proceeds with an introduction of the Islamic Teachings about relations with non-Muslims. The second part discusses the teachings of Quran and Sunnah along with an applied study of the Muslim rulers practices in the history of Islam. The last part consists of conclusion of this research.

Keywords: Minorities, Religious Freedom, Jurists,