ISLAM: A GUIDE TO LIVINC 1.3 Relations with Non-Muslims Islam ts aes Sees religious , j Non-Muslims residing in an Islamic state ar ind, just, and titled as zimmies or the ‘protected people’ polite treatment with the Non-Muslims. It does not _} Tis is because Islam provides them wit believe ia forceful cowersion, Ty enbroc Isom, | 0 one is required to accept all its teachings with a true heart and a pure religious spirit. Theref sincere faith and firm belief in Allah Almighty and the teachings of His Prophet aa pt infused ina person by means of force. In this regard, the Holy Quran says: “, ‘Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clearly from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks.” [2:256] Zimmies, in the past were provided with full protection under the umbrellaof Islam. Inreturn the special tax they paid, it was the responsibility of the Muslim ruler to safeguard their right places of worship. and their properties from harm. They were given freedom to practise th religion, construct their worship places, and carry out their religious festivals within an Islan territory rlam not only seeks to protect the rights of the Non-Muslims, but also insists on just treaty with them. re held absolutely equal in the eyes of | Islamic teachings reveal that Muslims and zimmies a Tn the punishment of crimes, there is ‘Their blood, said Hazrat Ali, “was like our blood”. {after he was stabbed) instru (iethe neweeatiph) to take cater is tle. rotection of Allah and his Apes eee oth them and fight” ould not overtax i successor) saying: “Iurgehim Non-Muslims who are under the * He should observe the convention agreed upo! their behalf (to secure their safety) and he s = E ie . beyond their capability.”