how to treat non-muslims

3:8:27

2018-04-19

2535

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

“People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity.”

This is one of the powerful quotes Imam Ali (AS) said to Malik Al-Ashtar. It is without a doubt that Imam Ali (AS) here is calling for equality, regardless of one’s religion or ethnicity.

In today’s day and age, Islam is viewed as an extreme, violent, and apathetic religion. If one were to just look a bit harder they would come to the conclusion that Islam is a religion that calls for unity. Islam is a religion that calls for equality and justice. It is through the teachings of Islam that one learns how to deal with non-Muslims. In the Holy Quran Allah says “And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:46].

There are many upon many of stories that embody the mercy that Prophet (PBUH) and the Ahlul-Bayt had towards non-Muslims. We can see one of the most patient and tolerant aspects of the Prophet’s character in the incident of an old non-Muslim woman who made a habit of throwing trash in the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad whenever he passed by her house.

The story related about this incident, mentions a neighbor of the Prophet that tried her best to irritate him by throwing garbage in his way every day. One day, when he walked out of his home there was no garbage. This made the Prophet inquire about the old woman and he came to know that she was sick. The Prophet went to visit her and offer any assistance she might need. The old woman was extremely humbled and at the same time ashamed of her actions in light of the concern that the Prophet showed her.

By seeing the example of compassion of Prophet Muhammad, she became convinced that Islam must be a true religion that the Prophet was preaching.

This is one out of many examples that showcase the mercy of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). He and the Ahul-bayt resembled the true message of Allah. They showed all of mankind what it means to be a Muslim, and how to treat people with respect and dignity.

The Quran instructs Muslims to treat non-Muslims courteously in a spirit of kindness and generosity, given they are not hostile towards Muslims. God says:

"God does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from dealing kindly and justly with them. Indeed, God loves those who act justly. God only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion – (forbids) that you make allies of them. And whoever makes allies of them, then it is those who are the wrongdoers." (Quran 60:8-9).

With this said one can come to the conclusion that Islam is indeed a religion of mercy, and compassion regardless of who it’s towards, whether it was Muslims or Non-Muslims, and as Amir Al-Muimin said, “People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity.”