.
III). National/International Relations & Rights of Minorities:
a) The national and international relations of the Islamic State are based on the fact that all human beings are the Children of Adam and Eve (i.e. they have the same parents), and, therefore, all are equal irrespective of their color, creed, sect, religion or origin (4:1; 49:13). Thus, mutual and international treaties are honored and complied with so as to establish peace on earth, as Islam is a religion of peace and tranquility.
b) Islam provides complete religious freedom to all the people. It may be noted that the Holy Prophet
on migrating to Madina entered into a treaty with the Jews, called the ‘Treaty of Madina’, wherein it was particularly resolved that all will have complete religious freedom and that all will protect Madina from outside aggression. (Zia-ul-Quran – Introduction to Surah Al-Infa’l) Al-Quran does not, at all, force any one to accept Islam. It states:
i) “ So whosoever wishes, let him believe; and whosoever
wishes, let him disbelieve…” (18:29)
ii) “ Say: ‘ It does not matter whether you believe in it (i.e. Al-Quran)
or do not believe. (It is in your benefit, if you believe)…(17:107)
iii) “ If you disbelieve, Allah does not care for you; but He (at the same time) does not like disbelief on the part of His slaves. Thus, if you show gratefulness (by accepting Islam), He will be pleased with you…” (39:7) [See also 17:84]
vi) “ There is no compulsion in (the) religion (of Islam)…(2:256)
It may be noted that the Islamic State nether compels the people to accept Islam nor tolerates that the Muslims are converted to another religion. The force used for converting the Muslims is called as ‘Fitna’ (trouble or disruption) in the Holy Quran and must be eradicated by forcefor stopping such a conversion. (2:193;8:39) It is the duty of the Islamic Government to see that the Muslims lead their lives in accordance with the Commandments of Almighty Allah and the teachings of the Holy Prophet
c) The non-Muslims practice their religion peacefully and without any fear in an Islamic State. The protection of their places of worship is the fundamental obligation of the Islamic State. (22:40;22:17) The Islamic State, of course, ensures that their rights are safeguarded.
d) It is the responsibility of an Islamic Government to protect the religious places and religious freedom of all people. The Holy Quran states:
“ …And had not Allah repelled a group of people by another one,
(the religious places of the people such as) the monasteries,
churches (of the Christians), synagogues (of the Jews),
and mosques (of the Muslims…would have surely
been destroyed…” (22:40)
e) The generosity of Islam towards other religions may further be recognized from the fact that Zakat (paid for welfare) and Jihad (conducted for the security of the country) are obligatory on Muslims only, since these are the elements of worship also for them, and consequently others are not dragged therein. It is against the spirit and nature of Islam to thrust itself on the non-Muslims in any form or condition, at all. They are simply required to pay ‘Jizya’ or tax only, being benefited by the welfare schemes and security measures adopted by the Government.
IV) Rights of Muslim Men and women:
Islam does not make any distinction between Muslim men and women in the matter of reward for their deeds. They are allies of one another and have the appropriate rights in the social, economic and political fronts, while enjoining the right, eradicating the evil and discharging other duties. Almighty Allah commands:
1. “ …I (Allah) shall not destroy the deeds of any of you, male or female.
You are from one another (i.e. allies and supporters of one another)…”
(3:195)
2. “ And the believing men and women are allies of one another. They
enjoin the right and forbid the wrong…” (9:71)
3. “ Indeed, the Muslim men & Muslim women, the believing men &
believing women, the obedient men & obedient women, the truthful
men & truthful women…, Allah has made ready for all of them …
a great reward.” (33:35)
4. “ On the Day (of Judgement), you will see the believing men and
believing women with their light running ahead of them as well
as on their right, when it will be announced: ‘ Congratulations to you
on this Day about the grant of Paradise under which the rivers flow
…This is surely a great achievement.’” (57:12)
[See also 4:124;16:97;40:40]
