THE CONDUCT OF MUSLIMS WITH THEIR NON-MUSLIM FELLOWS IN PREDOMINANT MUSLIM REGIONS: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Islam is a religion of love and peace, which teaches its followers to live in amicable and harmonious relationship with non-Muslims. Its policies of coexistence and cooperation with people of other religions entitles equal rights to all people irrespective of their race, and religion. As a result, non-Muslims residing in predominant Muslim countries enjoy equal citizenship rights like their Muslim brothers, such as the right of practicing the religion of their own choice. Indeed, Islam is a preaching religion; nonetheless, it never allows its followers to force others to embrace Islam. Instead, its propagation follows the rules of wisdom, equality, moderation, tolerance and preaching with best and gracious (glorious) ways. Islam teaches that religion is about willingness and freedom of choice, its elation is with heart and soul that cannot be won through force. In accordance with these teachings, historically, Muslims in Muslim ruled regions usually exhibited religious freedom to the extent to their non-Muslim fellows that various well-known and independent non-Muslim historians could not hide this fact and openly mentioned in their books. The set precedence of living with harmony and peace continues in Muslim dominated countries. The focus of this study is to present the stance of Muslims about religious freedom by narrating their gentle conduct with their non-Muslim fellows throughout history.