How to Deal With the People of the Book

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A Refereed Study

How to Deal with the People ofthe Book in the Light of the

Holy Qur'an and the Prophet'sSunnah

Dr. Abdul Hameed bin Abdur-Rahmaan As-Suhaibaanee *

*

Member of Faculty, King Fahd Security College, Riyadh



How to Deal with the People of the Book

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Introduction

All praise is due to Allah and peace and blessings of Allah be upon themost honourable Prophet Muhammad bin Abdillah, his family,companions and those who follow in their footsteps.

This is a simplified study that explains how to Muslims should dealwith the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) in which I have beenkeen on establishing the truth away from any extreme views followingthe provisions contained in the Holy Qur'an and the Prophet's Sunnah through his actual life. I also followed the method used by our rightlyguided predecessors including the Prophet's companions and thescholars who followed in their footsteps.

I would like to state here that the People of the Book mean all Jews andChristians who claim to be the followers of Moses and Jesus (peace beupon them) in accordance with the method used in the Holy Qur'an.This paper does not speak about a specific sect of Jews or Christians.

I have done my utmost to present the truth, and I pray to Allah tomake this paper sincere for His sake and useful for those who joined thelines of the believers and a guide to those who have not yet joined the

ranks of believers for He is Most Generous and Most Praised.

Chapter OneHow to Deal with the People of the Book

Topic OneCalling the People of the Book to Islam

Several verses of the Holy Qur'an exhort the Prophet (peace andblessings be upon him) and Muslims to call the People of the Book tobelieve in Islam as it is the last religion which Allah does not accept fromanyone to embrace other than it after the message of Muhammad (peaceand blessings be upon him) and the revelation of the Holy Qur'an. Allahsays, "They say: 'Become Jews or Christians if you would be guided (tosalvation)." Say: 'Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham theTrue, and he joined not gods with Allah.' Say: 'We believe in Allah and



Dr. Abdul Hameed bin Abdur-Rahmaan As-Suhaibaanee

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the revelation given to us and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and theTribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all)prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one andanother of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).' So if they believe asyou believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it isthey who are in schism; but Allah will suffice you as against them, andHe is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Our religion is) the Baptism ofAllah. And who can baptize better than Allah. And it is He Whom weworship." 2 He also says, "Say: 'O People of the Book! Come to commonterms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that weassociate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves,Lords and patrons other than Allah.' If then they turn back, say: 'Bearwitness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's Will).'" 3

Sheikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyah writes, "The Jews and Christians do notfollow the religion of Ibraheem and as such they do not worship theLord of Ibraheem for those who worship his Lord follow his religion.Allah says, "They say: 'Become Jews or Christians if you would beguided (to salvation)." Say: 'Nay! (I would rather) the Religion ofAbraham the True, and he joined not gods with Allah.' Say: 'We believein Allah and the revelation given to us and to Abraham, Isma'eel, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that givento (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between oneand another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).' So if they believeas you believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, itis they who are in schism; but Allah will suffice you as against them, andHe is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Our religion is) the Baptism ofAllah. And who can baptize better than Allah. And it is He Whom weworship." 4. The statement: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of

Abraham" means that the beliefs that the Jews and Christians uphold arenot the ones preached by the religion of Ibraheem. This applies to the Jews and Christians after the message of Muhammad (peace andblessings be upon him) for he is the one sent with the religion of

2 Surat Al-Baqarah : 135-138.3 Surat Aal-Imraan : 64.4 Surat Al-Baqarah : 135-138.




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Ibraheem whereas the Jews and Christians are not the followers of thereligion of Ibraheem because they have changed their religion. Allahsays, "Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, arethose who follow him, as are also this Messenger and those who believe:And Allah is the Protector of those who have faith." 5 He also says, "Say:'Verily, my Lord has guided me to a way that is straight, a religion ofright, the path (trod) by Abraham the true in Faith, and he (certainly) joined not gods with Allah." 6 Moreover, he says, "So We have taught youthe inspired (Message), 'Follow the ways of Abraham the True in Faith,and he joined not gods with Allah.'" 7

This means that any one who declines the religion of Ibraheem is not awise man. However, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) and thosewho followed them were the followers of the religion of Ibraheem andhe is their leader. This is meant by the Qur'anic statement: "Withoutdoubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who followhim, as are also this Messenger and those who believe: And Allah is theProtector of those who have faith." 8 "This statement includes those whofollowed him before and after the message of Muhammad (peace andblessings be upon him)." 9

The Qur'anic statement: "Without doubt, among men, the nearest ofkin to Abraham, are those who follow him, as are also this Messengerand those who believe: And Allah is the Protector of those who havefaith." 10 is a proof that Muslims believe in all the Prophets. It blames thePeople of the Book for making differences among messengers and booksfor they believe in some and disbelieve in some others. They contradictthemselves because the Prophet whom they allege to have believed inhas supported all the messengers especially Muhammad (peace andblessings be upon him). As they disbelieve in Muhammad, they are

considered disbelievers in what he told them, and hence they belied

5 Surat Aal-Imraan : 68.6 Surat Al-An'aam : 161.7 Surat An-Nahl : 123.8 Surat Aal-Imraan : 68.9 Majmoo' Al-Fataawaa , 16/569-572. See also Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 1/563; Ma'aalim At-Tanzeel ,

1/119; Al-Jaami' li Ahkaam Al-Qur'an, 2/139 and Irshaad Al-Aql As-Saleem, 1/146.10 Surat Aal-Imraan : 68.




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their messengers. The above blame is associated with an expressinvitation to believe in what Muslims have believed in. Therefore, if thePeople of the Book submit to the religion of Muhammad (peace andblessings be upon him), they are then guided to the straight path thatleads to Paradise beyond which there is nothing but utter loss. Allahsays, "So if they believe as you believe, they are indeed on the right path;but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allah will sufficeyou as against them." 11 In inviting the People of the Book to embrace Islam, the Qur'an followsanother way, namely informing them of the coming of the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) as a carrier of good tidings andwarner. Allah says, "O people of the Book! There has come to you ourMessenger, revealing to you much that you used to hide in the Book,and passing over much (that is now unnecessary). There has come toyou from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book, wherewith Allahguides all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety, andleads them out of darkness, by His will, unto the light,- guides them to apath that is straight." 12 He also says, "O People of the Book! Now hascome unto you, making (things) clear unto you, Our Messenger, afterthe break in (the series of) our apostles, lest you should say: 'There cameunto us no bringer of glad tidings and no warner (from evil)': but nowhas come unto you a bringer of glad tidings and a warner (from evil).And Allah has power over all things." 13

"This is an express order to the Jews and Christians to believe inMuhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and embrace Islam.Allah has brought them a clear-cut proof of the authenticity of hisprophethood; namely that the Prophet (peace and blessings be uponhim) reveals to them many rulings which they hide from people even

from the public who follow their religion. As they are the ones singledout to be the holders of knowledge at that time, the coming of theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the revelation of theHoly Qur'an revealed things which they kept secret among themselves

11 Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan, p. 68.12 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 15-16.13 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 19.






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It is reported that Al-Mugheerah bin Shu'bah (may Allah be pleasedwith him) invited Rustom to Islam. Rustom asked him about the religionhe was inviting him to embrace and Al-Mugheerah said, "I invite you tobelieve in Islam. If you embrace Islam, you have the rights we have andshoulder the duties we shoulder." Rustom asked, "What if I refuse it.?"Al-Mugheerah replied, "If you refuse, you have to pay the jizyah."19

The divine guidance to the People of the Book to join the folk of Islamincludes warning them against the things they were practising duringtheir period of ignorance because of changing their books, namely theirextreme views in religion. Islam exhorts them to abandon extreme viewsin their religion thus: "O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in yourreligion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son ofMary was (no more than) an apostle of Allah, and His Word, which Hebestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe inAllah and His apostles. Say not "Trinity": desist: it will be better for you:for Allah is one Allah. Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above havinga son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. Andenough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs." 20

This is a clear order to the People of the Book and Muslims not tofollow extreme views in their religion. The beliefs the Christians upholdthat Jesus is the son of Allah and the beliefs the Jews uphold that Uzairis the son of Allah are manifestations of their extreme views of theirProphets.

Allah has explained to them the truth that Jesus (peace be upon him) isa messenger from Allah, a word from Allah which He gave to Mary anda spirit from Allah. Allah then guides them to the things which makethem succeed in this life and the life to come. Allah says, "O People ofthe Book! Commit no excesses in your religion, nor say of Allah aught

but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostleof Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spiritproceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His apostles. Say not"Trinity": desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah. Glory beto Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things

19 Reported by Ibn Abu Haatim in Ad-Dur Al-Manthoor , 3/411.20 Surat An-Nisaa' : 171.




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in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer ofaffairs." 21 All human beings are the servants and creatures of Allah andall of them need Him. It is impossible for him to have a partner or ason. 22

Topic TwoArguing with them in the best Manner

To argue with someone means to exchange views with him. TheArabic word Jadal is originally derived from the act of twisting the rope.Therefore, those who argue with each other try to change each other'sminds with regard to a certain issue. It is said that arguing withsomeone is like wrestling with him to drop him on the ground. 23

Allah has exhorted Muslims to argue with the People of the Book in anice way except those who do wrong; namely those who go beyondlimits in aggression and obstinacy and who do not accept any form ofadvice or kind treatment. 24 Allah says, "And argue you not with thePeople of the Book, except in the best manner, unless it be with those ofthem who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, 'We believe in the

revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down toyou; our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (inIslam)." 25

Arguing with the People of the Book in the best manner includesseveral points as follows:

1. Argumentation should be based on knowledge and according torules acceptable to both parties. The statements of both parties should beclear and away from any confusion.

2. Good manners, nice treatment and kind words should be used

because these things are more attractive to those with whom one argues.

21 Surat An-Nisaa' : 171.22 Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 2/83, Zaad Al-Maseer , 2/260; Majmoo' Al-Fataawaa , 12/464

and Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan, p. 216.23 Al-Mufradaat fee Ghareeb Al-Qur'an by Ar-Raaghib Al-Asfahaanee, p. 90.24 Madaarik At-Tanzeel by An-Nasaafee, 3/261.25 Surat Al-Ankaboot, 46.




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Allah says, "But speak to him mildly; perchance he may take warning orfear (Allah)." 26

3. The aim of the argumentation should not be mere argumentationand the love to subdue others. Rather, the aim should be making thetruth clear and guiding the one with whom you argue.

4. The argumentation should be an invitation to the truth andrefutation of falsehood.

5. The argument should be based on believing in what Allah hasrevealed to the People of the Book and what He has revealed toMuslims. It should also be based on believing in Muhammad, Mosesand Jesus (peace be upon all of them) and that Allah is one.

6. Muslims should not argue with the People of the Book in a way thatmay lead to speaking bad of any divine books or any of the messengersas some ignorant people do when they debate with their opponents.This way of arguing is not fair for it usually leads to aggression andtransgression. A Muslim is required to be fair; he is required to refutethe false statements that his opponent may utter but at the same timeaccept the truth that his opponent may bring forward. Basing argumentson acceptance of the truth and refutation of the falsehood makesopponents admit the things contained in the Holy Qur'an and theProphet to whom it is revealed. Establishing the fundamentals ofreligion to which all prophets agree and which all divine books providefor requires all debating parties to believe in all divine books and allprophets which is a unique characteristic of Islam.

However, if the debate is based on believing things contained in onebook but not the other, when the fact is that each book supports thetruth that the preceding book brought, is unfair. To consider all that iscontained in the previous books as lies is like belying the Qur'an which

has supported the truth contained in the previous books. Every way thatproves the prophethood of any previous prophet is considered a betterproof to the prohphethood of Muhammad. Moreover, any doubt aboutthe prophethood of Muhammad is a greater doubt about theprophethood of the prophets who came before him. The false statements

26 Surat Ta Ha : 44.




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that may be said about other prophets are more false with regard toMuhammad. 27

Examples that can be used in debating with the People of the Bookinclude the hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleasedwith him) thus: "While we were in the mosque, Allah's Apostle came outand said, 'Let us proceed to the Jews.' So we went out with him till wecame to Bait-al-Midras .28 The Prophet stood up there and called them,saying, 'O assembly of Jews! Surrender to Allah (embrace Islam) andyou will be safe!' They said, 'You have conveyed Allah's message, OAba-al-Qasim.' Allah's Apostle then said to them, 'That is what I want;embrace Islam and you will be safe.' They said, 'You have conveyed themessage, O Aba-al-Qasim.' Allah's Apostle then said to them, 'That iswhat I want,' and repeated his words for the third time and added,"Know that the earth is for Allah and I want to exile you from this land,so whoever among you has property he should sell it, otherwise, knowthat the land is for Allah and His Apostle.'" 29

Ibn Hajar states, "The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)wanted the Jews to admit that he preached the message of Islam tothem. He repeated his words because they did not accept his preaching.This is the best way of arguing with them." 30

The best one I saw debating with the People of the Book was Sheikh Ahmad Deedat (may Allah bless his soul). He was well known for hisdebates with the bishops about the strange contradictions in theirchanged gospels and other false things they have. He was known for hisnice argumentations and mild words. His debates made the church,several centres of studies and universities dedicate parts of their librariesfor these debates with the aim of studying them and refuting them. 31

27 Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan, p. 632. See also Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 21/1; Zaad Al-Maseer ,6/275 ; Ma'aalim At-Tanzeel , 3/470; Anwaar At-Tanzeel , 4/318 and Majmoo' Al-Fataawaa ,15/105.

28 It is the place where the Jews recite the Torah. See Al-Qamoos Al-Muheet, p. 702.29 Reported by Al-Bukhaaree, 13/314 and Muslim, 3/1387.30 Fathul Baaree, 13/314.31 Islamonline.net, Ahmad Deedat the Chief of Debaters by Sha'baan Abdur'Rahmaan.




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Topic Three

Calling them to Stop Slandering the BelieversOn the event for which the verse: "Say: 'O people of the Book! Do you

disapprove of us for no other reason than that we believe in Allah, andthe revelation that has come to us and that which came before (us), and(perhaps) that most of you are rebellious and disobedient?'" 32 At-Tabaaree reported on the authority of Abdullah bin Abbaas (may Allahbe pleased with them) that he said, "A group from the Jews includingAbu Yaasir bin Akhtab,, Raafi' bin Abu Raafi', Azar, Zaid, Azaar bin

Abu Azaar and Ashba' came to the Prophet (peace and blessings beupon him). They asked about the Prophets in whom he believes. Hereplied, 'I believe in Allah and what is revealed to us and what isrevealed to Ibraheem, Isam'eel, Ishaaq, Yaqoob, the tribes and what isgiven to Moses and Jesus and what is given to the Prophets from theirLord; we make no difference between one and the other and we submitto Him as Muslims.' When he mentioned Jesus, they said, 'We do notbelieve in what he believed.'" 33

The above verse clearly reveals the ill feelings that many of those who

belong to the People of the Book have against Muslims. They always tryto slander them for their belief in Allah and the revelations he gave toHis messengers. This, in fact, is not a point of slander: " And they ill-treated them for no other reason than that they believed in Allah,Exalted in Power, Worthy of all Praise!" 34 35

As is clear, the above verse warns the People of the Book from keepingtheir way of disbelief; from making fun of and slandering Muslims andtheir religion. Commenting on the verse, Ibn Jareer writes, "Say,Muhammad, to the People of the Book, the Jews and Christians, you

blame us and slander our religion because we believe in Allah and inwhat is revealed by Allah including our book and the books that were

32 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 59.33 Reported by At-Tabaaree, 6/292.34 Surat Al-Burooj: 8.35 Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 3/74.




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revealed before it. The fact is that most of you are wicked and disobeyAllah and follow deviant ideologies." 36

Ibn Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated, "When thecaller to prayer called to prayer and the Muslims came to prayer, the Jews would say, 'They have stood up [for prayer], may they not standup.' When they saw them kneeling or prostrating, they were mockingthem." 37

Mocking the believers, which Allah has warned the People of the Bookfrom, is still used by them these days. Those whom Allah wills to guideto the truth and repentance will be guided to Islam.

I would like to note that the acts of mockery which the predecessors ofthe People of the Book made of Muslims are still being made by theirsons these days. They have mocked the Prophet (peace and blessings beupon him) and his wives, the mothers of the believers. Some of themhave taken such acts of mockery as a habit to the extent that theydescribe Muslims as ignorant people who lack tolerance and freedom ofexpression." 38

Examples of mocking Muslims include the western movies whichdepict Arabs and Muslims as bloody and enemies of the west. 39

Other examples include an advertisement televised on a westernchannel about a detergent. The advertiser begins thus: "This detergentcleans everything even the Arab." A person wearing a dirty Arab attireappears and a girl tries to clean his clothes with new detergent. Theadvertisement ends with the girl's words: "We have done our best." Theadvertiser appears again to say, "Laboratory reports proved that theimpossible cleaning of the Arab is not because there are no detergentsbut because the Arab can never become clean." 40

We cite these examples in order that Muslims may have an idea about

the grudge and hatred that these people have in their hearts against

36 Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 6/291. See also Zaad Al-Maseer , 2/386 ; Madaarik At-Tanzeel, 3/106 andRooh Al-Ma'aanee, 6/172.

37 Ad-Dur Al-Manthoor , 2/521.38 As Salmaan Rushdi did in his gloomy book "Satanic Verses".39 Dr. Khafaajee, Baasim, Western Media and Distortion of the Facts of Conflict, Al-

Bayaan Journal, Issue No. 126.40 Ibid.




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Muslims. It is also meant to warn them against these acts which willeventually lead them to quick and utter loss because Allah will notforgive them for their unfair treatment of Muslims. In a narration by As-Sadee commenting on the verse: "If you call to prayer, they will take it asfun," he said, "A Christian in Madeenah used to say when hearing thecaller to prayer saying, "I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messengerof Allah," "May Allah kill the liar." His servant brought him one nightsome fire while he his family was falling asleep and a spark of itdropped and burned him and his family." 41

Topic Four Warning Muslims against Loving them and

Associating Oneself with them

As Islam prohibits doing wrong to those who follow other religions, italso prohibits loving them and associating oneself with them. This hasbeen provided for expressly with regard to the People of the Book. Allahsays, "O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for yourfriends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other.

And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them.Verily Allah guides not a people unjust." 42

The above verse explicitly forbids the believers to love and takefriends among the People of the Book. Muslims were confused aboutthis issue and some of them thought it was permissible for them to takefriends from Jews based on the actual interests and relations that werepresent among Muslims and Jews before the advent of Islam and in theearly days of Islam in Madeenah. In fact, the above verse expresslyforbids this type of associating oneself with Jews and Christians .

The visible mistake is that some Muslims confuse between Islam's callto tolerance in dealing with the People of the Book and treating kindlythose among them who live in Muslim community and loyalty to them.Loyalty should only be given to Allah, the Prophet (peace and blessingsbe upon him and believers. Some Muslims may associate themselves as

41 Reported by Ibn Abu Haatim and others as in Ad-Dur Al-Manthoor , 2/521.42 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 51.




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friends with the People of the Book omitting that this is the main sourceof loss and danger that threatens them because some of the People of theBook are friends with each other and are loyal to each other in fightingagainst the Muslim community. They hate for Muslims to stick to theirIslam and will not be satisfied until Muslims abandon their religion andfollow the religion of the People of the Book even if they keep theirapparent names as Muslims. They are adamant and keen to take thiswar to the end. 43

Allah states in the above verse that those who take them as friends andprotectors belong to them. Therefore, only those who are like them takethem as friends and protectors. Associating oneself with the People ofthe Book necessitates changing one's religion to theirs and any kind ofassociation, even if it is low, may lead to a greater kind of associationeventually resulting in changing one's religion. 44

The Qur'anic verses clearly indicate that this great sin is onlycommitted by those who are weak in belief and those who arehypocrites. Allah says, "Those in whose hearts is a disease, you see howeagerly they run about amongst them, saying: 'We do fear lest a changeof fortune bring us disaster.' Ah! perhaps Allah will give (you) victory,or a decision according to His will. Then will they repent of the thoughtswhich they secretly harboured in their hearts." 45

Some of the hypocrites presented some pretexts that their loyalty tothe People of the Book was prompted by need and that some misfortunemight inflict them if the People of the Book got victorious. Allah hasrefuted their allegations: "Those in whose hearts is a disease - you seehow eagerly they run about amongst them, saying: 'We do fear lest achange of fortune bring us disaster.' Ah! perhaps Allah will give (you)victory, or a decision according to His will. Then will they repent of the

thoughts which they secretly harboured in their hearts."46

However,

43 In the Shades of the Qur'an, 2/910. See also Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 6/275; Ma'aalim At-Tanzeel, 2/44; Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 2/69 and Ahkaam Al-Qur'an by Al-Jassaas,4/293.

44 Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan, p. 235.45 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 52.46 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 52.




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Makkah was conquered as a clear sign of Allah's support for thebelievers and as refutation of the thoughts of the hypocrites.

Conquests will definitely make Muslims victorious over their enemiesprovided that they strictly adhere to Allah's teachings and maintainloyalty to Him alone. This victory is closely related to understanding theway of Allah and establishing all conceptions according to His law.

Someone might ask about the forms of loyalty to the People of theBook. The forms of loyalty to the People of the Book are many, mostimportant of which are the following:

1. Accepting their disbelief and not classifying them as disbelievers ordoubting that they are disbelievers or considering as valid any of theirsects.

2. Taking them as helpers and supporters or embracing their religion.3. Believing in the unfounded concepts they uphold or seeking their

help in solving disputes among Muslims.4. Loving them and taking friends from among them.5. Obeying them in things they order or advise.6. Sitting with them while they are mocking the signs of Allah.7. Accepting their acts, imitating them and using their attires.8. Helping them in doing wrong to Muslims.9. Gratifying them or calling them as sirs or wise men.10. Unnecessarily living with them in their countries and adding to

their numbers.11. Conspire with them and executing their plots, spying for them,

divulging the secrets of Muslims to them and supporting them in theirfight against Muslims.

12. Running away from the land of Islam to the land of war as anexpression of hatred of Muslims and love for them.

13. Joining secular or polytheist parties they form and advocating theirconcepts and principles. 47

47 See Tribulations and Muslims' Position from them in the Light of the Qur'an by theauthor of this paper, pp. 307-309.




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Topic Five

Admitting that Some People of the Book are Pious orRighteous

Allah has praised some people among the People of the Book anddescribed them as believers and pious. This means that they arebelievers in Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and thebook revealed to him. This leaves no excuse for any one among thePeople of the Book to maintain his disbelief because those whom Allahhas praised embraced Islam. However, those who claimed to be

believers but in fact did not revert to Islam are liars. Allah says, "Andthere are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe inAllah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing inhumility to Allah. They will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserablegain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is swift inaccount." 48

The above verse tells about a group of the People of the Book that theytruly believe in Allah, the revelation given to Muhammad (peace andblessings be upon him), the previous books of revelation and that theyobey Allah, fear Him and follow His injunctions because they havealready had signs from Allah about the coming of the ProphetMuhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), about his qualities andabout the qualities of his nation. These are the best among the People ofthe Book. In the Qur'an we read, "Twice will they be given their reward,for that they have persevered, that they avert Evil with Good, and thatthey spend (in charity) out of what We have given them." 49 We also read,"Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied:They are the ones that believe therein: those who reject faith therein, theloss is their own." 50

Several other verses praise people among Jews and Christians whobelieved in the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the HolyQur'an. These include the following: "Those who follow the apostle, the

48 Surat Aal Imraan : 199.49 Surat Al-Qassas : 54.50 Surat Al-Baqarah : 121.




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unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just andforbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (andpure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releasesthem from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them.So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow thelight which is sent down with him, it is they who will prosper." 51 "Not allof them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (Forthe right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and theyprostrate themselves in worship." 52 and "Say: 'Whether you believe in itor not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, whenit is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration, andthey say: 'Glory to our Lord! Truly has the promise of our Lord beenfulfilled!' They fall down on their faces in tears, and it increases their(earnest) humility." 53

Commenting on the above verses, Ibn Katheer writes, "These qualitiesare fulfilled by some Jews but a few of them like Abdullah bin Salaamand other Jews who did not exceed ten persons. As for Christians, manyof them revert to Islam and the truth as is stated in the Holy Qur'an:'Strongest among men in enmity to the believers will you find the Jewsand Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers will youfind those who say, 'We are Christians': because amongst these are mendevoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and theyare not arrogant. And when they listen to the revelation received by theMessenger, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears, for theyrecognise the truth: they pray: 'Our Lord! We believe; write us downamong the witnesses. What cause can we have not to believe in Allahand the truth which has come to us, seeing that we long for our Lord to

admit us to the company of the righteous?' And for this their prayer hasAllah rewarded them with gardens, with rivers flowing underneath,their eternal home. Such is the recompense of those who do good. But

51 Surat Al-A'raaf : 157.52 Surat Aal-Imraan : 113.53 Surat Al-Israa' : 107-109.




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those who reject Faith and belie our Signs, they shall be companions ofHell-fire." 54

It is reported that the verse which we quoted at the beginning of thistopic: "And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, thosewho believe in Allah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation tothem, bowing in humility to Allah. They will not sell the Signs of Allahfor a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah isswift in account" 55 was revealed about An-Najaashee, the King ofAbyssinia, who was a Christian and reverted to Islam. Al-Haakimreported from Aamir bin Abdullah bin Az-Zubair that the verse: "Andthere are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe inAllah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing inhumility to Allah. They will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserablegain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is swift in account"was revealed about An-Najaashee. 56

Sheikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyah writes, "Most scholars mentioned that thisverse was revealed about An-Najaashee and others who believed in theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) but who could not migrateto the Prophet or show that they were Muslims in their lands whereChristians might have harmed them if they did so. It is reported that theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed the funeralprayer on him when he died. 57 He is considered like those who believedin the Prophet in the land of war, who could not migrate to the land ofIslam and who could not perform the rituals of Islam. Someone mightappear to be a disbeliever but in fact he is a believer like the man fromthe people of the Pharaoh. Allah says, "A believer, a man from amongthe people of Pharaoh, who had concealed his faith, said: 'Will you slay aman because he says, 'My Lord is Allah?'" 58 59

54 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 82-86.55 Surat Aal Imraan : 199.56 Reported by Al-Haakim, 2/329. He said it is an authentic hadeeth and Adh-Dhahabee

agreed with him.57 Saheeh Muslim, 2/657.58 Surat Ghaafir : 28.59 Dr. Al-Jelainid, Muhammad, Collected Qur'anic Exegesis by Ibn Taymiyah, 1/314.




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As already stated, Allah says, " But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what has beenrevealed to you and what was revealed before you: And (especially)those who establish regular prayer and practise regular charity andbelieve in Allah and in the Last Day: To them shall We soon give a greatreward." 60

The Qur'anic statement: "Who are well-grounded in knowledge"means those who firmly stick to the religion. It is reported on theauthority of Ibn Abbaas that the verse is revealed about Abdullah binSalaam, Tha'labah bin Sa'yah, Asad bin Sa'yah and Asad bin Ubaid whoreverted to Islam and believed in the revelation sent by Allah toMuhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). 61

Topic SixIt is Permissible to Eat from the Animals they

Slaughter

One of the important issues that need to be elaborated on is the rulingon eating from the animals they slaughter. This has been clearly stated

in the Holy Qur'an: "The food of the People of the Book is lawful untoyou." 62 This means that the meat of the animals slaughtered by thePeople of the Book, but not those of other religions, is permissible forMuslims to eat. The reason for this is that the Jews and Christians followother prophets and revelations.

All prophets agree that no slaughter for the sake of other than Allah ispermissible. The Jews and Christians believe that it is unlawful toslaughter an animal for the sake of anyone other than Allah andtherefore their slaughtered animals are made permissible for Muslims toeat. 63

60 Surat An-Nisaa' : 162.61 Reported by Ibn Ishaaq and Al-Baihaqee as in Ad-Dur Al-Manthoor , 2/434. See also

Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 6/25; Ma'aalim At-Tanzeel , 1/280 and Irshaad Al-Aql As-Saleem, 2/253.62 Surat Al-Ma'idah : 5.63 Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan, p. 221.




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Ibn Abbaas, Abu Umaamah, Mujaahid, Sa'eed bin Jubair, Ikrimah,Ataa', Al-Hassan, Makhool, Ibraheem Al-Nakha'ee, Al-Sadee andMuqaatil bin Hayaan reported that the word "food" here means the meatof the animals slaughtered by the People of the Book. 64

Ibn Katheer writes, "This is a point of consensus among scholars thatthe meat of the animals they slaughter is lawful for Muslims to eatbecause they believe that it is prohibited to slaughter any animal for thesake of other than Allah and they do not mention any name whileslaughtering their animals other than that of Allah though they ascribeto Him things which are not true." 65 Az-Zuhree states, "If you hear him(the man from the People of the Book) mentions a name other thanAllah, do not eat [from the meat of the slaughtered animal." 66

As already stated, the food meant in the verse is the meat of animalsslaughtered by the People of the Book. Al-Jassaas writes, "The apparentmeaning of the verse is that it relates to slaughtered animals becauseother items of food like bread, oil and other foodstuffs are not subject toany suspicion." 67

Commenting on the above verse, Ibn Taymiyah writes, "If it is saidthat the verse: "The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you"means fruits and cereals, it should be replied that this interpretation iswrong for the following reasons: 1) these kinds of foods are lawful for allhuman beings and therefore there is no sense of specifying it for thePeople of the Book, 2) ascribing food to them means that it is made as afood by their act on it which applies to slaughtered animals whichturned into meat by being slaughtered by them while fruits are madeedible by Allah without needing an action by a human being, 3) thelegality of food is associated with the legality of marrying women fromamong them which makes the meat of animals special from the People

of the Book while fruits and cereals generally apply to all human beingsand 4) The term "food" is general and is more related to meat than tofruits or other foods and therefore it should be kept as general.

64 Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 109 and Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 2/20.65 Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 2/20. See also Fathul Baaree, 9/637; Awn Al-Ma'bood , 8/9

and Adhwaa' Al-Bayaan by Ash-Shanqitee, 1/175.66 Reported by Al-Bukhaaree, 5/2097.67 Ahkaam Al-Qur'aan , 3/320. See also Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan, p. 221.




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Therefore, all their foods are lawful for Muslims to eat and the otherway round.

It is reported in the Saheeh books of hadeeth that a Jew womanpresented the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) a grilled sheepat Khaibar and that he took one bite of it and said, "This sheep tells methat it is poisoned." Had animals slaughtered by them are not lawful forMuslims to eat, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wouldnot have eaten from the sheep. It is also reported that when Muslimsinvaded Khaibar, a Muslim took a sack full of fat and said, "I would notgive any of it to any one." He turned his face and saw the Prophetlaughing and did not forbid him to eat it. 68

Ibn Taymiyah argues that this hadeeth is considered a proof that theMuslim army may eat from the foods of the enemy before dividing themamong warriors.

Moreover, the Prophet accepted the invitation of a Jew to eat somebarley bread and some animal fat. 69 Had the meat taken from theanimals slaughtered by the People of the Book been unlawful, theirutensils would have also been unlawful to use. It is reported that theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade eating in theirutensils but he then permitted it if these utensils are washed before theyare used. 70

Finally, it is known that when the companions of the Prophet (peaceand blessings be upon him) conquered Syria, Iraq and Egypt, they usedto eat from the meat of animals slaughtered by the People of the Book(Jews and Christians) but they did not eat from those slaughtered by theMagus. 71

68 Reported by Muslim, 3/1393 and Abu Dawood, 3/65. See also Al-Bukhaaree, 4/1543.69 Reported by Al-Bukharee, 2/887.70 Saheeh Muslim, 13/79.71 Majmoo' Al-Fataawaa , 35/217-218.




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Topic Seven

It is Permissible to Marry Chaste Women from thePeople of the Book

The Holy Qur'an clearly states that it is permissible for Muslims tomarry chaste women from the People of the Book: "The food of thePeople of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them.(Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who arebelievers, but also chaste women among the People of the Book,revealed before your time." 72 The Qur'anic statement: "But also chaste

women among the People of the Book" means that Muslims are allowedto marry chaste, or according to At-Tabaaree, free 73 women from thePeople of the Book. This includes all chaste women from the People ofthe Book, be they free or slaves. 74

It is reported that Ibn Abbaas said, "When the verse 'Do not marrypolytheist women until they believe" 75 was revealed, Muslims refrainedfrom marrying women from the People of the Book until the verse: "Butalso chaste women among the People of the Book" was revealed whenthey began marrying women from the People of the Book. 76

Ibn katheer states that a group of the companions of the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) married Christian women based onthis verse. 77

In Zaad Al-Maseer 78 Ibn Al-Jawzee writes, "It is reported thatUthmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) married Naa'ilah bint Al-Faraafisah, who was a Christian, and that Talhaa bin Ubaidillah marrieda Jew woman.

72 Surat Al-Ma'idah : 5.73 Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 6/108.74 Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 3/21 and Majmoo' Al-Fataawaa , 32/182.75 Surat Al-Baqarah : 221.76 Ad-Dur Al-Manthoor, 1/458 as reported by Ibn Abu Haatim and At-Tabaraanee.77 Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 2/21.78 2/296-297.




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Those who argue that it is prohibited to marry a Christian womanbased on the verse: "Do not marry polytheist women until they believe" 79 and the verse: "Do not keep marriage with the disbeliever women" 80 arereplied to by Ibn Taymiyah that this is the ruling used by some of thosewho have innovated in the religion. He comments as follows: "1) ThePeople of the Book are not part of the polytheists as clearly stated in theverse: 'Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish(scriptures), and the Sabians, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists, Allahwill judge between them on the Day of Judgment: for Allah is witness ofall things.' 81 If it is said that Allah described them as polytheists as in theQur'anic statement: " They take their priests and their anchorites to betheir lords in derogation of Allah, and (they take as their Lord) Christthe son of Mary; yet they were commanded to worship but One Allah.There is no god but He. Praise and glory to Him: (Far is He) from havingthe partners they associate (with Him)" 82, it can be said that the originalreligion of the People of the Book does not include any polytheistconcepts for Allah has sent messengers believing in His oneness but theChristians innovated polytheist concepts in their religions as is clear inthe verb "associate" which means that they innovated such polytheistconcepts about Allah and therefore they are distinguished from originalpolytheists. 2) If the polytheists are mentioned alone in a verse, theyinclude the People of the Book but if the verse includes both polytheistsand the People of the Book, the People of the Book are not included inpolytheists. Therefore, it can be said that the verse in Al-Baqarah isgeneral while the other verse in Al-Maa'idah is specific and the specificshould be given preference over the general. 3) The verse in Al-maa'idahabrogates that in Al- Baqarah because Surat Al-Maa'idah was revealedafter Surat Al-Baqarah as unanimously agreed by scholars. It is reported

that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him said, " Surat Al- Maa'idah is one of the last revealed Surah , so act on things lawful and

79 Surat Al-Baqarah : 221.80 Surat Al-Mumtahinah : 10.81 Surat Al-Hajj : 17.82 Surat At-Tawbah : 31.




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things unlawful in it." 83 The verse revealed later abrogates the onerevealed earlier if they contradict. 84

The Qur'anic statement: "Do not keep marriage with the disbelieverwomen" 85 was revealed after the Hubaibiyah Treaty with the Pagansafter the migration to Madeenah. 86 In it Allah ordered the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) to examine those women whomigrated with Muslims but were doubted to be Muslims. The order torelease the pagan women as in the above verse applies to pagan women.Disbelievers are sometimes are distinguished from the People of theBook as in the Qur'anic statement: "Have you not turned you vision tothose who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in sorcery andEvil, and say to the Unbelievers that they are better guided in the (right)way than the believers!" 87 Their original religion is based on belief butthey innovated disbelief. " 88

Chapter TwoHow to Deal with the Jews

Topic OneExhorting them to Act according to the Torah

The Holy Qur'an states that Muslims should exhort the Jews to act onthe Torah in all their affairs. Allah says, "It was We who revealed theTorah to (Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard havebeen judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) toAllah's will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them wasentrusted the protection of Allah's book, and they were witnessesthereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell not my signs for a

83 Ad-Dur Al-Manthoor , 2/446 as reported by Abu Ubaid from Zakhrah bin Habeeb andAttiyah bin Qays.

84 An-Nahhaas, An-Naasikh wal Mansookh, p. 194; An-Naasikh wal Mansookh by Ibn Hazm,p. 29 and Awn Al-Ma'bood , 10.15.

85 Surat Al-Mumtahinah : 10.86 Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 4/352. See also Al-Itqaan fee Uloom Al-Qur'an , 1/57.87 Surat An-Nisaa' : 51.88 Majmoo' Al-Fataawaa , 32/178-181.




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miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hasrevealed, they are disbelievers." 89

In the above verse, Allah tells that he has revealed the Torah to Moses(peace be upon him) as a book full of guidance to belief and truth and asa light from Allah to remove ignorance and doubts. He also tells thatthis Torah was used by the prophets who submitted to the orders ofAllah to judge among the Jews on different cases and by the doctors oflaw who protected it.

The above verse is a clear warning to the Jews against abandoning theTorah which was applied by the prophets. They are enjoined to believein all that it contained especially the signs of the coming of Muhammad(peace and blessings be upon him) 90 They should be informed that ifthey continue concealing and distortion of their book, they will perish inutter loss as the leaders of misguidance.

At-Tabaaree reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah bepleased with him) said, "A man from the Jews committed adultery. They[the Jews) said to each other, let us go to this Prophet [Muhammad] forhe is sent with some easy rules. If he gives us a verdict lighter thanstoning, we would accept it and take it as an excuse before Allah sayingit is a verdict by one of your prophets. They came to the Prophet (peaceand blessings be upon him) while he was sitting in the mosque with hiscompanions. They said, 'Abal Qaasim! What do you say about a manand a woman who committed adultery?' He did not utter one word untilhe came to Bait Al-Midras. He stood at the door and said, 'I ask you byAllah who revealed the Torah to Moses, what do you find in the Torahregarding the married man or woman who commits adultery?' Theysaid, 'He should be bathed, defamed and whipped.' Defamation is tocarry the adulterous man and woman on a donkey with their faces in

opposite directions and toured in the streets. A young man kept silent.When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw him silent, heinsisted on him to answer. The young man said, 'As long as you askedus by Allah, we find in the Torah that they should be stoned.' TheProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them what was the

89 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 44.90 Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan, p. 232. See also Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 2/61.




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first event when the injunctions of Allah were belittled by them. Theyoung man replied, "A man of a close relation to one of our kingscommitted adultery. He was not stoned. Another man from them alsocommitted adultery. The King wanted to stone him. His tribe defendedhim and asked the King to stone his relative before stoning their relative.They resorted to their prophet.' The Prophet (peace and blessings beupon him) said, 'I will rule as stated in the Torah,' and ordered stoningthe adulterous man and woman.' Az-Zurhee comments, "We are toldthat the verse "It is W who revealed the Torah…" 91

Topic Two Judging between them according to the Holy Qur'an

Allah ordered His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to judgebetween the Jews according to the provisions of the Holy Qur'an if theyresort to him for judgment and not to succumb to their desires. Allahsays, "And this (He commands): Judge you between them by what Allahhas revealed, and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lestthey beguile you from any of that (teaching) which Allah has sent downto you. And if they turn away, be assured that for some of their crime itis Allah's purpose to punish them. And truly most men are rebellious.Do they then seek after a judgment of (the days of) ignorance? But who,for a people whose faith is assured, can give better judgment thanAllah." 92

This is an order by Allah to His Prophet (peace and blessings be uponhim) to judge between the Jews according to the Holy Qur'an and the judgments given by previous prophets (peace be upon them) if they seekhis judgment on certain cases. He also reminds the Prophet to be carefulfor they might try to make him deviate from the revelation Allah hassent down to him. 93

91 Reported by At-Tabaraanee, 6/249. See also As-Sunan Al-Kubraah by Al-Baihaqee,8/231; Sunan Ad-Daraqutnee, 4/169; Sunan Abu Dawood, 4/156; At-Tamheed by IbnAbdul Bar, 14/401 and Al-Mughnee by Ibn Qudaamah, 9/65.

92 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 49-50.93 Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 6/273 and Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 2/67.




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As already stated, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)asked the young man about the ruling they have in the Torah on the caseof the man and woman who committed adultery. This indicates that theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) ruled according to theprovisions of the Torah to reveal the things they had concealed.However, they are instructed to follow the rulings of the Holy Qur'an.He asked them about the ruling in the Torah to make them say the truthabout the ruling contained in the Torah which they have abandoned fora long time. The time the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)uncovered their plot about hiding the ruling on the case of the man andwoman who had committed adultery they submitted to the ruling ofAllah. Originally, they sought a judgment from the Prophet (peace andblessings be upon him) with the purpose of making him agree with theirvain desires but Allah uncovered all their plots. 94

Topic ThreeIt is Permissible to Conclude Treaties with the Jews IfMuslims are Strong Enough to Stop them If they Break

their Promises

The Prophet's Sunnah indicates that it is permissible to concludetreaties and reconcilement with the Jews if Muslims are strong enoughto stop them if they break these treaties.

In the Prophet's Sunnah we are told that the Prophet (peace andblessings be upon him) concluded a charter with the Jews of BanuQuraidhah which contained a treaty of peace between Muslims and Jews. According to this charter, the Jews promised not to fight againstMuslims or harm them. However, they broke their promises and tornout the charter. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings be uponhim) fought them except a branch of them called Banu Sa'yah who tookthe side of Muslims in fulfillment of their promises. 95

94 Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 2/60.95 Sirat Ibn Hishaam , 4/178; Taareekh Al-Umam wal Mulook by At-Tabaree, 2/93; Jaami' Al-

Bayaan, 21/131; Al-Jaami' li Ahkaam Al-Qur'an by Al-Qurtubee, 14/132 and TheProphet's Biography in the Light of Original Sources, p. 451.




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In At-Tabaqaat Al-Kubraa by Ibn Sa'd we read, "Abu Sufyaan bin Harbsent Huyay bin Akhtab to Banu Quraidhah to request them to break thetreaty they have with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)and to support them against him. They first refused to do so but thenthey agreed with him to break the treaty. The Prophet (peace andblessings be upon him) knew of this fact and said, 'Allah is sufficient forus and he is the best to trust.'" 96

Other narrations about treaties with the Jews state that the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) held a peace treaty with the Jews ofKhaibar. The conditions of the treaty stated that the Jews should notconceal anything of movables, that the Prophet (peace and blessings beupon him) is to receive any gold, silver, arms and shields they have andthat they take things that their animals may be able to carry. However,they broke the treaty and concealed a sack of gold belonging to Huyaybin Akhtab who was killed before the battle of Khaibar. When theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked Sa'yah (Huyay's uncle)about the sack of gold, Sa'yah replied that it was exhausted by wars andexpenses. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to himthat the money was large and that no long time has passed since he tookthe sack of gold. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) askedAz-Zubair to question him. Az-Zubair questioned him and he admittedthat he saw Huyay frequenting a certain place. They searched the placeand found the sack of gold. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessingsbe upon him) killed the two sons of Abu Al-Huqaiq and took theirwomen and children as slaves and divided their property for the treasonthey committed." 97

The above narrations clearly indicate that it is permissible to concludepeace treaties with the Jews provided that Muslims are capable of

punishing them if they break these treaties since they are notorious forbreaking their covenants. Allah says, "But because of their breach oftheir covenants, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard; they

96 5/67.97 Reported by Ibn Hibban, 11/607 and Al-Baihaqee in As-Sunan Al-Kubraa , 9/137.




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change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of themessage that was sent them." 98

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) concluded peacetreaties with the Jews although he knew their nature. He did so becausehe was able to punish them when they broke their promises. Had heknown that he was not able to punish them, he would not have madethese treaties with them.

Topic FourAdmitting their Fair and True Statements

One of the good features of Islam is that it enjoins fair treatment ofnon-Muslims including admitting their true statements. It is narratedthat a Jew who was living in the vicinity of Banu Abdul Ash-hal toldthem about the coming of the Prophet (peace and blessings be uponhim). They asked him to give them a sign. He said to them that the newProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) would appear from the sideof Makkah or Yemen. 99

It is also reported that Zaid bin Sa'nah, a Jew, was keen on knowing

the truth until Allah guided him to Islam. He used to say, "Thereremains no sign of prophethoold I have not seen in the face ofMuhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) when I looked at himexcept two signs: his tolerance precedes his anger and any injusticemade to him adds to his tolerance." He kept company with the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) until these two signs were known tohim, and hence he declared his reversion to Islam." 100

98 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 13.99 Reported by Ibn Hishaam, 2/37 and Al-Haakim in Al-Mustadrak , 3/471.100 Reported by Al-Haakim, 3/700; Ibn Hibbaan, 1/524, Al-Baihaqee in As-Sunan Al-

Kubraa, 6/52; At-Tabaraanee in Al-Kabeer , 5/222.




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Topic Five

If a Jew Kills a Muslim, He should be KilledMuslim jurists contend that if a non-Muslim kills a Muslim, he should

be killed. This is clearly stated in the Prophet's Sunnah . The Jewsattempted to kill the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) bypoisoning him. A Jewish woman presented the Prophet (peace andblessings be upon him) with a grilled sheep in which she put a largequantity of poison especially in the sheep's arm because she knew thatthe Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) liked it. When the

Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ate from the sheep's arm, ittold him that it was poisoned and so he spat the bite he took. Hequestioned the woman and she confessed her crime. However, theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not punish her but whenBishr bin Al-Baraa' bin Ma'roor died as a result of the poison heswallowed when he ate with the Prophet (peace and blessings be uponhim) from the sheep, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)killed her. 101

The above hadeeth proves that if a non-Muslim kills a Muslim, he

should be killed even if the murderer is a woman. In the hadeeth narratedby Anas bin Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) we read, "A Jewcrushed the head of a Muslim girl by two rocks. She was asked about theculprit and she told them about his name. The Jew confessed his crime.The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered crushing hishead between two rocks." 102

Commenting on the above hadeeth, An-Nawawee writes, "The hadeethstates that a man may be killed for killing a woman according to theunanimous agreement of scholars who consider the hadeeth as authentic,

that the culprit who deliberately kills someone should be killed in thesame way; for example, if he kills him by a sword, he should be killed by

101 Reported by Ahmad, 1/305; Al-Baihaqee, 8/46 and Abu Dawood, 4/173.102 Reported by Al-Bukhaaree, 2/850 and Muslim, 3/1299.




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a sword, if he kills him by a rock, he should be killed by a rock and soon. As the Jew crushed her head, his head was crushed." 103

As is known in the Islamic Sharee'ah and as proved by the above twohadeeths, the ruler is the one having authority to order punishingsomeone by killing him.

Topic SixIt is Permissible to Allow them to Stay in their Homes

in the Country that Changes to the Abode of Islamunless they Harm Muslims or Support others against

them

By having a close look at the Prophet's Sunnah , it becomes clear thatwhen the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) migrated toMadeenah and settled there, some Jews were living in the town. TheProphet (peace and blessings be upon him allowed them to stay in theirhomes and concluded a peace treaty with them. The treaty stated, "The Jews will contribute towards the war when fighting alongside theBelievers; the Jews of Bani Awf will be treated as one community withthe Believers; the Jews have their religion and this will also apply totheir freedmen; the exception will be those who act unjustly and sinfully;by so doing they wrong themselves and their families. The same appliesto Jews of Bani Al-Najjar, Bani Al Harith, Bani Saeeda, Bani Jusham,Bani Al Aws, Thaalba, and the Jaffna, (a clan of the Bani Thaalba) andthe Bani Al Shutayba. Loyalty gives protection against treachery. (loyalpeople are protected by their friends against treachery. As long as aperson remains loyal to the State he is not likely to succumb to the ideas

of being treacherous. He protects himself against weakness). Thefreedmen of Thaalba will be afforded the same status as Thaalbathemselves. This status is for fair dealings and full justice as a right andequal responsibility for military service. Those in alliance with the Jewswill be given the same treatment as the Jews. No one (no tribe which is

103 Sharh An-Nawawee alaa Muslim , 11/157. See also Fathul Baaree, 12/198 and Tuhfat Al- Ahwadhee, 4/542.




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party to the Pact) shall go to war except with the permission ofMuhammed (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). If any wronghas been done to any person or party it may be avenged. Any one whokills another without warning (there being no just cause for it) amountsto his slaying himself and his household, unless the killing was donedue to a wrong being done to him. The Jews must bear their ownexpenses (in War) and the Muslims bear their expenses. If anyoneattacks anyone who is a party to this Pact the other must come to hishelp. They (parties to this Pact) must seek mutual advice andconsultation. Loyalty gives protection against treachery. Those whoavoid mutual consultation do so because of lack of sincerity and loyalty.A man will not be made liable for misdeeds of his ally. Anyone (anyindividual or party) who is wronged must be helped. The Jews must pay(for war) with the Muslims. (this clause appears to be for occasionswhen Jews are not taking part in the war. Clause 37 deals with occasionswhen they are taking part in war). Yathrib will be Sanctuary for thepeople of this Pact. A stranger (individual) who has been givenprotection (by anyone party to this Pact) will be treated as his host (whohas given him protection) while (he is) doing no harm and is notcommitting any crime. Those given protection but indulging in anti-stateactivities will be liable to punishment. A woman will be given protectiononly with the consent of her family (Guardian). (a good precaution toavoid inter-tribal conflicts). In case of any dispute or controversy, whichmay result in trouble the matter must be referred to Allah andMuhammed (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), The Prophet(may Allah bless him and grant him peace) of Allah will accept anythingin this document, which is for (bringing about) piety and goodness.Quraysh and their allies will not be given protection. The parties to this

Pact are bound to help each other in the event of an attack on Yathrib. Ifthey (the parties to the Pact other than the Muslims) are called upon tomake and maintain peace (within the State) they must do so. If a similardemand (of making and maintaining peace) is made on the Muslims, itmust be carried out, except when the Muslims are already engaged in awar in the Path of Allah. (so that no secret ally of the enemy can aid theenemy by calling upon Muslims to end hostilities under this clause).Everyone (individual) will have his share (of treatment) in accordance




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with what party he belongs to. Individuals must benefit or suffer for thegood or bad deed of the group they belong to. Without such a rule partyaffiliations and discipline cannot be maintained. The Jews of al-Aws,including their freedmen, have the same standing, as other parties to thePact, as long as they are loyal to the Pact. Loyalty is a protection againsttreachery. Anyone who acts loyally or otherwise does it for his owngood (or loss). Allah approves this Document. This document will not(be employed to) protect one who is unjust or commits a crime (againstother parties of the Pact). Whether an individual goes out to fight (inaccordance with the terms of this Pact) or remains in his home, he willbe safe unless he has committed a crime or is a sinner. (i.e. No one willbe punished in his individual capacity for not having gone out to fight inaccordance with the terms of this Pact). Allah is the Protector of the goodpeople and those who fear Allah, and Muhammad." 104

This means that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)allowed the Jews to remain in Madeenah provided that they refrain fromharming Muslims or supporting anyone against the Prophet (peace andblessings be upon him) and Muslims. When some of them breachedtheir covenants and peace treaties with Muslims, the Prophet (peace andblessings be upon him) fought against them and drove them out ofMadeenah as will be explained in the next topic.

It should be noted that if the Jews wish to stay in the land which iscontrolled by Muslims, they are required to succumb to the rule of Muslimsand that they should not have any separate force. This is what is understoodfrom the Prophet's dealing with them.

Moreover, the Jews living in a Muslim country have to pay the jizyah toMuslims. Allah says, "Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day,nor hold that forbidden which has been forbidden by Allah and HisMessenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of thePeople of the Book, until they pay the jizyah with willing submission, andfeel themselves subdued." 105

104 Reported by Ibn Hishaam, 3/34.105 Surat At-Tawbah : 29.






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Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) left the place back toMadeenah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered hiscompanions to be ready to fight the Jews. He besieged them until theyagreed to leave their homes and to carry with them anything that theircamels can carry. 109

Another example of breaching covenants is when the Jews supportnon-Muslims against Muslims as Banu Quraidhah did on the Day ofConfederates. They breached their covenants with the Prophet (peaceand blessings be upon him). When the Prophet (peace and blessings beupon him) was sure that they breached their covenants, he besiegedthem for twenty-five days. Eventually, they accepted to submit to hisrule. However, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wishedthat a chief from Aws tribe rule on them because they were the allies ofBanu Quraidha. Sa'd bin Mu'adh, the chief of Aws, ruled that theirfighters be killed, their children be taken as slaves and their property tobe divided among Muslims. The Prophet (peace and blessings be uponhim) said, "You have ruled by Allah's judgment." 110

Yet another example of breaching covenants is when one of themblemishes the honour of a Muslim woman. This was done by a Jew fromBanu Qaynuqaa'. This Jew tied up the robe of a Muslim woman in themarketplace of Banu Qaynuqaa'. When she stood up, her body wasuncovered to people. She shouted for help. A Muslim killed the Jew whodid that. The other Jews gathered and killed the Muslim. The family ofthe Muslim sought help from Muslims against the Jews and war wasabout to erupt between them. Therefore, the Prophet (peace andblessings be upon him) expelled them from Madeenah. 111

109 Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 28/30; Al-Jaami' li Ahkaam Al-Qur'an , 18/8; Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al- Adheem, 4/333; Sirat Ibn Hishaam , 4/145 and Subul As-Salaam, 4/63.

110 Reported by Imaam Ahamd, 3/22; Al-Bukhaaree, 4/1511; Muslim, 3/1388; Sirat IbnHishaam, 4/178; Tareekh Al-Umam wal Mulook by At-Tabaree, 2/93.

111 The Prophet's Biography in the Light of Original Sources, p. 370.




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Chapter Three

How to Deal with ChristiansTopic One

Exhorting them to Comply with the Provisions of theGospel

One of the most important directions by Allah to Christians asmentioned in the Holy Qur'an is that Allah exhorted them to complywith the provisions of the Gospel, the book revealed to Jesus (peace beupon him). Allah says, "Let the people of the Gospel judge by whatAllah has revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) whatAllah has revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel." 112

The above verse is a clear proof that Christians are ordered to complywith the Gospel before the advent of Islam. Allah says, "O Messenger!Let not those grieve you, who race each other into unbelief: (whether itbe) among those who say 'We believe' with their lips but whose heartshave no faith; or it be among the Jews, men who will listen to any lie,will listen even to others who have never so much as come to you. Theychange the words from their (right) times and places: they say, 'If ye aregiven this, take it, but if not, beware!' If any one's trial is intended byAllah, you have no authority in the least for him against Allah. For suchit is not Allah's will to purify their hearts. For them there is disgrace inthis world, and in the Hereafter a heavy punishment. (They are fond of)listening to falsehood, of devouring anything forbidden. If they do cometo you, either judge between them, or decline to interfere. If you decline,they cannot hurt you in the least. If you judge, judge in equity between

them. For Allah loves those who judge in equity. But why do they cometo you for decision, when they have (their own) law before them?Therein is the (plain) command of Allah. Yet even after that, they wouldturn away, for they are not (really) People of Faith. It was We whorevealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By itsstandard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in

112 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 47.




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Islam) to Allah's will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to themwas entrusted the protection of Allah's book, and they were witnessesthereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell not my signs for amiserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hasrevealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers. We ordained therein forthem: 'Life for life, eye for eye, nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for toothand wounds equal for equal.' But if any one remits the retaliation byway of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has revealed, they are (No better than)wrong-doers. And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary,confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel:therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that hadcome before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fearAllah. Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealedtherein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has revealed,they are (no better than) those who rebel." 113

The word "judge" is a clear order from Allah through the mouth ofMuhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to Christians who werepresent at that time to judge according to the provisions of the Gospel.Allah has enjoined in the Gospel, as He did in the Torah with regard to Jews, that Christians should follow Muhammad (peace and blessings beupon him). Allah says, "Those who follow the apostle, the unletteredProphet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures), in theTorah and the Gospel; for he commands them what is just and forbidsthem what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) andprohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them fromtheir heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it isthose who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light

which is sent down with him, it is they who will prosper."114 115

113 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 47.114 Surat Al-A'raaf : 157.115 Daqaa'iq At-Tafseer Al-Jaami' by Ibn Taymiyah, collected by Dr. Muhammad Al-Sayyid

Al-Jelainid, 2/52. See also Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 6/264; Ma'aalim At-Tanzeel , 2/42 andTafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem , 2/65.




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Topic Two Calling them to Islam Politely

Christians are the first among the People of the Book who should becalled to embrace Islam. This is the way adopted by the Holy Qur'an asis clear in the following verse: "Say: 'O People of the Book! Come tocommon terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah;that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from amongourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah.' If then they turn back,say: 'Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's

Will).'"116

This same way is also adopted by the Prophet (peace and blessings beupon him); he called the chiefs of Christians to Islam whenver he founda chance to do so.

In his epistle to the Hercules, the Roman Emperor, he wrote, "In theName of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. To Hercules, the Great ofthe Romans, Peace be with those who follow guidance. I call upon youto follow Islam. Submit to Islam and you will be safe. Submit to Islamand Allah will reward you double for your good deeds. But if you

decline, the sin of the peasants will be on you. ""Say: 'O People of theBook! Come to common terms as between us and you: that we worshipnone but Allah; that we associate no partners with him; that we erectnot, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah.' If thenthey turn back, say: 'Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowingto Allah's Will).'" 117 118

In Saheeh Muslim, Book of Jihaad, part on the epistles of the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) to non-Muslim kings calling them toIslam, we read the hadeeth reported by Anas bin Maalik (may Allah be

pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

116 Surat Aal-Imraan : 64.117 Surat Aal-Imraan : 64.118 Reported by Al-Bukhaaree, 1/7 and Muslim, 3/139. See also Al-deebaaj alaa Saheeh

Muslim , 4/382 for explanation.




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wrote letters to Khosrau, Caesar, An-Najaashee and to other kingscalling them to Allah. 119

So, the Prophet preached the message of Allah as instructed by Allah.Hercules insisted on his disbelief but Allah tore up his dynasty whileAn-Najaashee embraced Islam and so his dynasty continued to beprosperous. An-Nawawee writes, "Hercules did not like to lose hispower and authority and therefore he refused to embrace Islam. This isclearly stated in Saheeh Al-Bukharee. Had Allah willed him to embraceIslam, he would have guided him to it and he would not have lost hispower." 120

"The above letter from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)to Hercules indicates that if one wishes to call a Christian to Islam, heshould be careful and concise. The Prophet (peace and blessings be uponhim) addressed him as "Hercules, the great of the Romans" but not theemperor or king of Romans because Allah is only the King and noneother than Him has any control on anything on earth withoutsurrendering to Islam and without being permitted to have power fromthe Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Acts by non-Muslimsare implemented within the limits of need. Moreover, he did not addresshim as "Hercules" only, rather he added the words "Great of theRomans" whom the Romans hold in esteem. This is meant to be gentleand polite with him. Allah says, 'Call unto the way of your Lord withwisdom and good advice.' 121 He also says, "Say to him nice words.'" 122 123

The religion of Islam features freedom of choice. It does not compelanyone to embrace it. Allah says, "Let there be no compulsion inreligion." 124 Renowned personalities from the West have admitted thismoral attribute of Islam. Sir Thomas Arnold, a British Orientalist,admits, "We have not heard about any deliberate attempt to compel

119 Reported by Muslim, 3/1397.120 Sharh An-Nawawee alaa Saheeh Muslim, 12/104.121 Surat An-Nahl : 125.122 Surat Ta-ha : 44.123 Sharh An-Nawawee alaa Saheeh Muslim, 12/108.124 Surat Al-Baqarah : 256.




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sects other than Muslims to accept Islam or about any organizedprosecution meant to undermine the religion of Christianity." 125

The Indian Basheer Ahmad Shad, who reverted to Islam fromChristianity, writes, "I have never in my life met or heard one man fromnon-Muslims was compelled to revert to Islam by force." 126

Berthold, the Russian Orientalist, writes, "In the fourth century afterHejira, the religion of Islam spread among nomadic Turks and in somecities of Turkistan through trade and without the use of any weapons.The Turks who controlled Muslim countries in the fourth century afterHejira were Muslims." 127

Evelyn Copold admits, "Islam does not do wrong to the followers ofother religions and does not compel them to accept it or to submit to itsSharee'ah . It has not fought against those who did not embrace it or triedkilling, burning or torturing them as others did." 128

Topic ThreeAdmitting their Right Statements and Acts

As stated in the Holy Qur'an, we should be fair with all people even if

we hate some of them or they hate us. Allah says, "And let not thehatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety." 129 One of the facets of treating non-Muslims fairly is to admit things they do or say as right if they are so,not out of love or loyalty, but out of admitting the truth and fair judgment though we firmly believe that their good deed will not availthem on the Day of Judgment unless they accept Islam as their religion.

Examples denoting Islam's fair stance from non-Muslims include thefollowing:

1. The position taken by An-Najaashee, King of Abyssinia, with theProphet's companions who migrated to his land. He provided refuge for

125 They Said about Islam, p. 266.126 Ibid, 295.127 Ibid, 307.128 Ibid.129 Surat Al-Maa'idah : 8.




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and supported them. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)had already told his companions thus: "In the land of Abyssinia there isa king who wrongs no one. Go you to his land until Allah avails you away out of your ordeal." 130

Um Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "We left [ourhomes in Makkah] until we gather there [in Abyssinia] where we foundit to be the best home and the best neighours and where we were safe,fearing no injustice from him [the King of Abyssinia]." 131

Adding to his good deeds and nice treatment of Muslims who soughtrefuge in his land, An-Najaashee refused to surrender Muslims to the

envoys from the pagans. He did not suffice with listening to the envoysof Quraish but asked Muslims to appear before him to hear from thembefore taking a decision on their case. Ja'far bin Abi Taalib (may Allah bepleased with him) spoke on behalf of his comrades. Upon An-Najaashee's request, Ja'far recited some verses from the beginning ofSurat Maryam (Mary). Tears flowed from the King's eyes and hisbishops also cried until they wetted the books they were carrying. Headdressed Quraish's envoys thus: "This and the one brought by Jesusemerge from one lantern. Go back, for I will never surrender them to

you." 132 2. The position taken by Addaas, a Christian slave of Utbah bin

Rabee'ah and his brother Shaibah. In books on the Prophet's biographywe are told that when the people of Taif disappointed the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him), Utbah and Shaibah felt mercy for theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him). They ordered their slaveAddaas to offer the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) somegrapes. They said to him, "Take these grapes to that man. He did. Beforeeating any of these grapes, the Prophet (peace and blessings be uponhim) mentioned the name of Allah. Addaas was astonished to hear thesewords. He said to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), "These

130 Reported by Al-Baihaqee in As-Sunan Al-Kubraa , 9/9. This hadeeth is classified as goodby the author of the Prophet's Biography in the Light of Original Sources, p. 197.

131 Ibid. See also Ahmad's Musand , 1/202 and Hilyat Al-Awliyaa' , 1/116.132 Ahmad's Musand , 1/202; Hilyat Al-Awliyaa' , 1/116; Siyar A'laam An-Nubalaa' , 1/431

and Sirat Ibn Hishaam , 2/177.




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words are not uttered by the people of this town." The Prophet (peaceand blessings be upon him) told him that he was a messenger fromAllah. Addaas was sure that he was a messenger from Allah and begankissing his hands and pronounced the testimony of accepting Islam. 133

3. The position taken by Baheeraa the Priest when he admitted thetruth that he knew about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).Abu Taalib (the Prophet's uncle) with the Prophet (peace and blessingsbe upon him) went on a trading trip to Syria. At that time the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) was very young. When they reachedthe place of the priest for some rest, the priest received them while hewas not receiving them before. He began checking their faces. He caughtthe hand of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said,"This is the Master of the Worlds whom Allah has sent as mercy tomankind." He knew the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) bythe seal of prophethood on the lower part of his shoulder. 134

4. The position taken by Nestor the Priest. In the Prophet's biographywe read, "When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reachedBusra in Syria, he took some rest under a tree with a slave of Khadeejah,the Mother of Believers (may Allah be pleased with her) while he was on

a trade trip on her behalf. When Nestor saw him, he said, 'Only aProphet would take rest under this tree.' He asked Maysara [Khadeejah'sslave, 'Is there some redness in his eyes?' Maysara replied, 'Yes.' Nestorcommented, 'Do not part with him for he is the last Prophet.'" 135

5. The position taken by Waraqah bin Nawfal, a cousin of Khadeejah(may Allah be pleased with her) when she took the Prophet (peace andblessings be upon him) to him at the beginning of revelation. Waraqahembraced Christianity in the period before the advent of Islam. He usedto write in Hebrew. At that time he was a blind old man. She said to

133 Al-Isaabah, 2/466; Ath-Thiqaat by Ibn Hibbaan, 1/78; Sirat Ibn Hishaam , 2/268-269;Taareekh Al-Umam wal Mulook, 1/544; Al Jaami' li Ahkaam Al-Qur'an by Al-Qurtubee,16/211 and Fathul Baaree, 8/720.

134 Reported by At-Tirmidhee, 5/590. Al-Albaaenee classified it as an authentic hadeeth,Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmidhee, 3/191, Ibn Abu Shaibah in Al-Musanaf , 7/327 and Ibn Sa'din Al-Tabaqaat Al-Kubraa, 4/82.

135 Safwat As-Safwah by Ibn Al-jawzee, 1/72.




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him, 'Listen to your nephew!' He said, "O my nephew! What do you see.'The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told him about what hesaw. Waraqah said, "This is the angle who was sent down to Moses. Ifbut I am young when your people drive you out." The Prophet asked,"Would they drive me out?' Waraqah replied, "Yes. Anyone whobrought the things you brought would be hurt. If but I remain alive tosupport you." Waraqah died a short time after this event. 136

These positions and others by these Christians are clear indications oftheir keen interest to reveal the truth which should encourage others tofollow their way and to renounce falsehood by accepting Islam, the lastreligion which Allah does not accept other than it: "Whoever seeks areligion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him and on theLast Day he will be among the losers." 137

Topic FourIt is Permissible to Seek Christians' Protection if

Needed and if Security is Ensured

I have already cited the Prophet's hadeeth in which he urged hiscompanions to leave to the land of Abyssinia where the Christian kingprovided shelter for them. In this hadeeth, the Prophet (peace andblessings be upon him) told them, " In the land of Abyssinia there is aking who wrongs no one. Go you to his land until Allah avails you away out of your ordeal." Moreover, we read Um Salamah's statement inthe same narration thus: "We left [our homes in Makkah] until we gatherthere [in Abyssinia] where we found it to be the best home and the bestneighours and where we were safe, fearing no injustice from him [theKing of Abyssinia]."

This is a clear proof from the Prophet's Sunnah that a Muslim may seekprotection from a Christian if that Christian is known for his justice, ifthe Muslim is sure that he would not be abused or forced to abandon hisreligion and if there is urgent need for such protection.

136 Reported by Al-Bukhaaree, 4/1894 and Muslim, 1/141.137 Surat Aal-Imraan : 85.




In the position taken by the King of Abyssinia who eventually reverted toIslam there is visible proof that he supported the truth, a position that will

not be forgotten by history. The two pagan envoys who asked him tosurrender the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)returned disappointed while the emigrants lived in peace and security inhis land.

Other examples of support by Christians include the following:

1. The position taken by Addaas,

2. The position taken by Baheera the Priest,

3. The position taken by Nestor the Priest, and

4. The position taken by Waraqah bin Nawfal, to mention but a few.All these positions have already been discussed in detail in the previous

topic and need not be repeated here.

Conclusion

In the end, the following conclusions can be given:1. Due care should be given to calling the People of the Book to Islam

with wisdom and good advice. This way has been very effective inattracting huge numbers from them to the folk of Islam.

2. Conviction has its great effect on making many persons belongingto the People of the Book submit to the true beliefs of Islam.

3. Treatment of the People of the Book is based on justice and freechoice rather than injustice and compulsion.

4. Treatment of the People of the Book with justice and right does notmean agreement with their beliefs or ideologies.

5. Loyalty to and love of the People of the Book is warned againstbecause it is a basic part of the faith of Islam which should not besurrendered in any way whatsoever.

6. Prohibition of loyalty to the People of the Book does not meantreating them with injustice or trespassing over their rights.

7. If the People of the Book use force against Muslims, Muslims shoulddefend their lives and honours by all ways possible. If Muslims haveenough power, they are required and exhorted to call the People of theBook to Islam in the way detailed in this paper.

Documents

How to Deal With the People of the Book