All creatures depend upon Allah
Allah has bestowed upon us the wealth of Islam. So we are called Muslims. However, those many that are deprived of this wealth of Islam are called Non-Muslims, Non-Muslims are human beings like Muslims.
All human beings on this planet are the progeny of Aadam AS and Hawwa AS. On this account, we all are brothers and sisters. We should, therefore, be well-wishers of each other. Islam has taken into consideration this mutual relationship of people and has instructed its followers to treat non-Muslims with good behaviour and this has been rather considered as a sign of perfection of Islam.
Prophet (ﷺ) said, "You should wish for others what you would like for yourselves, then you will be a complete Muslim." (Tirmizi)
To wish for others the same thing what one likes for himself provides the true basis of all sort of rights for the human brotherhood. All other things are mere elaboration to this fact. One who keeps this fact in his mind becomes endearing to Allah. All creatures are Ayal (family) of Allah. Thus most endearing to Him among His creatures is the one who treats His Ayal well." (Baihaqi) The best among human beings is he who benefits others.
Following are the rights of non-Muslims for which every Muslim is duty-bound:
1. Invitation to Islam
The first right of non-Muslims is that they be introduced to Islam so that they accept it and lead a peaceful life in this world and get the salvation in the Hereafter.
To be a well-wisher of human beings demands that the Divine blessings that Muslims have received, are offerred to non-Muslims. For this very reason, Muslims have been ordered to propagate Islam. It should be clear here that the responsibility of Muslims is only to covey the message of Islam and not to force them to accept it. This is because there is no compulsion in religion. The Qur'an says:
لَآ إِكْرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ
"Let there be no compulsion in religion"
- (Al-Baqarah: 256)
We have only to ensure that the message reaches them. Rest is between them and Allah. It should also be understood that non-Muslims must necessarily be called towards Islam. But in the process, their deities should never be rebuked. The Qur'an says,
"And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah"
- (Al An'am: 108)
2. Respect for life, honour and property
It is not right to violate the sanctity and honour of life and property of non-Muslims except in a case where it is just and when it is a must. The Qur'an says,
"Do not take life which Allah has made sacred except for a just cause."
- (Al An'am: 151)
Allah has described the unjust killing of a person is as good as the killing of entire humanity. The Qur'an says,
"On that account, We had ordained Bani Isra'eel that if anyone killed a person unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land, it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind."
- (Al Ma'idah: 32)
By ordering Muslims to stand by justice and fair play in all circumstances, Allah has protected the life, honour and property of non-Muslims in such a way that we can hardly find any parallel anywhere else. The Qur'an says,
"And let not the enmity of any people prompt you not to act justly. Do justice that is next to righteousness."
- (Al Ma'idah: 8)
Prime reason for persecution by man is that he does not act with justice and fair play. Thus Allah has sealed the source of evil and discrimination. Whatever be the attitude of non-Muslims, a Muslim can not ignore the demand of justice and fair play. Can there be a bigger guarantee than this for the protection of people's rights?
3. Good Treatments
It is the right of non-Muslims that Muslims should participate in their woe and hardship, they should be helped in time of need .They should be treated well. We should not adopt such a behaviour that may harm them. The treatment of Muslims with non-Muslims should be like behaviour of a doctor with a patient. The Qur'an instructs us:
وَقُولُوا۟ لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا
"And speak right and kindly to the people."
- (Al Baqarah: 83)
Prophet (ﷺ)said, "Fear Allah wherever you are; if you follow an evil deed with a good one, you will obliterate it; and deal with people with a good disposition." (Tirmizi)
History is witness to it that the residents of Makkah tortured Prophet (ﷺ) in innumerable ways. However, when there was severe famine in Makkah in 6th Hijri, Prophet (ﷺ) assisted them in every possible way. (Bukhari)
In the lane from where Prophet (ﷺ) used to pass, there was a house of a Jew. When Prophet (ﷺ) used to pass by, he used to throw litter on him. Prophet (ﷺ) never said anything to him. He would simply clean his clothes and proceed. One day, the Jew did not throw litter. Prophet (ﷺ) visited him to inquire about his health and well-being. The moment he saw Prophet (ﷺ), he was greatly ashamed of his everyday behaviour. He got so impressed by this act of Prophet (ﷺ) that he accepted Islam and became Muslim there and then.
Good behaviour and kind treatment has played an important role in speedy spread of Islam. Muslims have always won the hearts of non-Muslims with their good behaviour. This could prove effective even today provided every Muslim displays an attractive culture that is the characteristic of Islam. May Allah help us to act on this! Aameen.
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Allah and his messenger knows best