Fostering Harmony: A Muslim's Duties Towards Non-Muslims in Light of the Quran and Sahih Muslim

 

Islam, a religion rooted in peace and submission to God’s will, emphasizes kindness, justice, and compassion for all humanity. This extends outwards, shaping how Muslims interact with those who follow different faiths. Let’s delve deeper into the duties Muslims have towards non-Muslims, drawing inspiration from the eternal wisdom of the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as preserved in Sahih Muslim.

Coexistence Rooted in Fairness:

The Quran lays the groundwork for peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims.

• Quran 60:8: “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not drive you out of your homes – from being kind to them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (emphasis added)

This verse transcends mere tolerance. It actively encourages Muslims to treat non-Muslims with kindness and fairness, as long as they are not actively hostile. This establishes a baseline for respectful interaction.

Justice for All: A Core Islamic Principle

Sahih Muslim reinforces the importance of upholding justice, even for those outside the Muslim community:

• Hadith from An-Nawawi’s compilation of Sahih Muslim: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever wrongs a dhimmi [non-Muslim living under Islamic rule] or casts a burden upon him beyond his capacity or takes something from him without his consent, then I will be his opponent on the Day of Judgement.’” (emphasis added)

This Hadith highlights the Prophet’s (PBUH) strong stance on ensuring justice prevails for non-Muslims living under Muslim rule. It serves as a powerful reminder that fairness and respect are not conditional upon faith.

Fulfilling Agreements: Building Trust

The Quran emphasizes the importance of honoring agreements, fostering trust and promoting stability in society:

• Quran 5:1: “O you who have believed, fulfill [your] contracts.” (This applies to all contracts, including those with non-Muslims.)

Muslims are obligated to uphold agreements made with non-Muslims, building trust and strengthening the social fabric. This fosters a sense of security and encourages cooperation within diverse communities.

Respectful Interactions: The Power of Words

The Quran advises respectful interactions, even during disagreements:

• Quran 29:46: “And argue with them [the People of the Book] in a way that is best.” (emphasis added)

This verse encourages Muslims to engage in respectful dialogue and avoid confrontational arguments that could lead to hostility. It highlights the importance of using words that promote understanding rather than division.

Beyond the Basics: Examples of Kindness in Action

The duties of a Muslim towards non-Muslims extend beyond legal obligations. The Prophet (PBUH) set a powerful example through his actions:

• Visiting sick non-Muslims: Narrations from Sahih Muslim mention instances where the Prophet (PBUH) visited and offered comfort to sick people from the Jewish community. These acts of compassion transcended religious differences and embodied the essence of Islamic teachings.
• Offering help to those in need: The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to help those in need, regardless of their faith. This spirit of helping others strengthens communities and fosters a sense of shared humanity.
• Engaging in civil conversations and promoting understanding: Open and respectful dialogue allows Muslims and non-Muslims to learn from each other and build bridges of understanding.

Building Bridges for a Brighter Future:

By fulfilling these duties, Muslims can contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world. Their actions and character become a powerful testament to the values of Islam. While sharing their faith is a core Islamic belief, it should always be done with respect and understanding.

Remember, Islam emphasizes inner peace and outward compassion. By nurturing these qualities and adhering to the principles outlined in the Quran and exemplified by the Prophet (PBUH), Muslims can foster a world where people of all faiths can coexist and cooperate for the betterment of humanity.

A Biography Of The Prophet Of Islam (soltlane.com)

Sahih Muslim (7 Vols) – SOLTLANE

Meanings of Noble Quran with Explanatory Notes (soltlane.com)