How To Deal With The People of The Book

A Refereed Study
How to Deal with the People of

the Book in the Light of the
Holy Qur'an and the Prophet's
Sunnah

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

100
Al-Adl (44)
Introduction
All praise is due to Allah and peace and blessings of Allah be upon the
most 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 deal
with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) in which I have been
keen on establishing the truth away from any extreme views following
the provisions contained in the Holy Qur'an and the Prophet's Sunnah
through his actual life. I also followed the method used by our rightly
guided predecessors including the Prophet's companions and the
scholars who followed in their footsteps.
I would like to state here that the People of the Book mean all Jews and
Christians who claim to be the followers of Moses and Jesus (peace be
upon 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 to
make this paper sincere for His sake and useful for those who joined the
lines 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 One
Topic One
Calling the People of the Book to Islam
Several verses of the Holy Qur'an exhort the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) and Muslims to call the People of the Book to
believe in Islam as it is the last religion which Allah does not accept from
anyone to embrace other than it after the message of Muhammad (peace
and blessings be upon him) and the revelation of the Holy Qur'an. Allah
says, "They say: 'Become Jews or Christians if you would be guided (to
salvation)." Say: 'Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the
True, and he joined not gods with Allah.' Say: 'We believe in Allah and
Dr. Abdul Hameed bin Abdur-Rahmaan As-Suhaibaanee

101
Al-Adl (44)
the revelation given to us and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the
Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all)
prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and
another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).' 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 suffice you as against them, and
He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Our religion is) the Baptism of
Allah. And who can baptize better than Allah. And it is He Whom we
worship."
2
He also says, "Say: 'O People of the Book! Come to common
terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we
associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves,
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).'"
3

Sheikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyah writes, "The Jews and Christians do not
follow the religion of Ibraheem and as such they do not worship the
Lord of Ibraheem for those who worship his Lord follow his religion.
Allah says, "They say: 'Become Jews or Christians if you would be
guided (to salvation)." Say: 'Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of
Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with Allah.' Say: 'We believe
in 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 given
to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one
and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).' 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 suffice you as against them, and
He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Our religion is) the Baptism of
Allah. And who can baptize better than Allah. And it is He Whom we
worship."
4
. The statement: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of
Abraham" means that the beliefs that the Jews and Christians uphold are
not the ones preached by the religion of Ibraheem. This applies to the
Jews and Christians after the message of Muhammad (peace and
blessings 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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Al-Adl (44)
Ibraheem whereas the Jews and Christians are not the followers of the
religion of Ibraheem because they have changed their religion. Allah
says, "Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are
those 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 of
right, 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 you
the 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 a
wise man. However, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) and those
who followed them were the followers of the religion of Ibraheem and
he is their leader. This is meant by the Qur'anic statement: "Without
doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow
him, as are also this Messenger and those who believe: And Allah is the
Protector of those who have faith."
8
"This statement includes those who
followed him before and after the message of Muhammad (peace and
blessings be upon him)."
9

The Qur'anic statement: "Without doubt, among men, the nearest of
kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, as are also this Messenger
and those who believe: And Allah is the Protector of those who have
faith."
10
is a proof that Muslims believe in all the Prophets. It blames the
People of the Book for making differences among messengers and books
for they believe in some and disbelieve in some others. They contradict
themselves because the Prophet whom they allege to have believed in
has supported all the messengers especially Muhammad (peace and
blessings be upon him). As they disbelieve in Muhammad, they are
considered disbelievers in what he told them, and hence they belied

5
6
Surat Al-An'aam: 161.
7
Surat An-Nahl: 123.
8
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

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Al-Adl (44)
their messengers. The above blame is associated with an express
invitation to believe in what Muslims have believed in. Therefore, if the
People of the Book submit to the religion of Muhammad (peace and
blessings be upon him), they are then guided to the straight path that
leads to Paradise beyond which there is nothing but utter loss. Allah
says, "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 suffice
you as against them."
11

In inviting the People of the Book to embrace Islam, the Qur'an follows
another way, namely informing them of the coming of the Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him) as a carrier of good tidings and
warner. Allah says, "O people of the Book! There has come to you our
Messenger, revealing to you much that you used to hide in the Book,
and passing over much (that is now unnecessary). There has come to
you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book, wherewith Allah
guides all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety, and
leads them out of darkness, by His will, unto the light,- guides them to a
path that is straight."
12
He also says, "O People of the Book! Now has
come unto you, making (things) clear unto you, Our Messenger, after
the break in (the series of) our apostles, lest you should say: 'There came
unto us no bringer of glad tidings and no warner (from evil)': but now
has 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 in
Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and embrace Islam.
Allah has brought them a clear-cut proof of the authenticity of his
prophethood; namely that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon
him) reveals to them many rulings which they hide from people even
from the public who follow their religion. As they are the ones singled
out to be the holders of knowledge at that time, the coming of the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the revelation of the
Holy 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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Al-Adl (44)
although he is illiterate and this is the first sign of his true message.
Examples of the things mentioned in their books which they concealed
and which were revealed by the Prophet include his qualities, the signs
of his coming, the verse related to stoning adulterous men and women
and the like.
14

One of the ways of calling the People of the Book to Islam is to explain to
them the reward they will receive for believing in this religion. Allah
says, "If only the People of the Book had believed and been righteous,
We should indeed have blotted out their iniquities and admitted them to
gardens of bliss. If only they had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and
all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have
enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party
on the right course: but many of them follow a course that is evil."
15

Allah warns them against disbelief and exhorts Muslims to say to them:
"You People of the Book! Why reject you the Signs of Allah, of which
you are (Yourselves) witnesses? You People of the Book! Why do you
clothe Truth with falsehood and conceal the Truth, while you have
knowledge?"
16
Allah also says, "Say: 'O People of the Book! Why reject
you the Signs of Allah, when Allah is Himself witness to all you do? Say:
'O you People of the Book! Why obstruct you those who believe, from
the path of Allah, Seeking to make it crooked, while you were
yourselves witnesses (to Allah's Covenant)? but Allah is not unmindful
of all that ye do.'"
17

It should be stated here that if they do not submit to Islam and its
rules, they should pay the jizyah. However, if they fail to do so, Muslims
should fight them if they are strong enough. Allah says, "Fight those who
believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which has
been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion
of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the
jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued."
18

14
Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan, p. 226. See also Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem, 2/35;
Anwaar At-Tanzeel, 2/307 and Rooh Al-Ma'aanee, 6/97.
15
16
Surat Aal-Imraan: 70-71.
17
Surat Aal-Imraan: 98-99.
18
Surat At-Tawbah: 29.

105
Al-Adl (44)
It is reported that Al-Mugheerah bin Shu'bah (may Allah be pleased
with him) invited Rustom to Islam. Rustom asked him about the religion
he was inviting him to embrace and Al-Mugheerah said, "I invite you to
believe in Islam. If you embrace Islam, you have the rights we have and
shoulder 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 Islam
includes warning them against the things they were practising during
their period of ignorance because of changing their books, namely their
extreme views in religion. Islam exhorts them to abandon extreme views
in their religion thus: "O People of the 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 apostle of Allah, and His Word, which He
bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding 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 be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having
a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And
enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs."
20

This is a clear order to the People of the Book and Muslims not to
follow extreme views in their religion. The beliefs the Christians uphold
that Jesus is the son of Allah and the beliefs the Jews uphold that Uzair
is the son of Allah are manifestations of their extreme views of their
Prophets.
Allah has explained to them the truth that Jesus (peace be upon him) is
a messenger from Allah, a word from Allah which He gave to Mary and
a spirit from Allah. Allah then guides them to the things which make
them succeed in this life and the life to come. Allah says, "O People of
the 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 apostle
of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit
proceeding 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 be
to 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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Al-Adl (44)
in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of
affairs."
21
All human beings are the servants and creatures of Allah and
all of them need Him. It is impossible for him to have a partner or a
son.
22

Topic Two
Arguing with them in the best Manner
To argue with someone means to exchange views with him. The
Arabic word Jadal is originally derived from the act of twisting the rope.
Therefore, those who argue with each other try to change each other's
minds with regard to a certain issue. It is said that arguing with
someone 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 a
nice way except those who do wrong; namely those who go beyond
limits in aggression and obstinacy and who do not accept any form of
advice or kind treatment.
24
Allah says, "And argue you not with the
People of the Book, except in the best manner, unless it be with those of
them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, 'We believe in the
revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to
you; our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in
Islam)."
25

Arguing with the People of the Book in the best manner includes
several points as follows:
1. Argumentation should be based on knowledge and according to
rules acceptable to both parties. The statements of both parties should be
clear 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
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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Al-Adl (44)
Allah says, "But speak to him mildly; perchance he may take warning or
fear (Allah)."
26

3. The aim of the argumentation should not be mere argumentation
and the love to subdue others. Rather, the aim should be making the
truth clear and guiding the one with whom you argue.
4. The argumentation should be an invitation to the truth and
refutation of falsehood.
5. The argument should be based on believing in what Allah has
revealed to the People of the Book and what He has revealed to
Muslims. It should also be based on believing in Muhammad, Moses
and 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 that
may lead to speaking bad of any divine books or any of the messengers
as some ignorant people do when they debate with their opponents.
This way of arguing is not fair for it usually leads to aggression and
transgression. A Muslim is required to be fair; he is required to refute
the false statements that his opponent may utter but at the same time
accept the truth that his opponent may bring forward. Basing arguments
on acceptance of the truth and refutation of the falsehood makes
opponents admit the things contained in the Holy Qur'an and the
Prophet to whom it is revealed. Establishing the fundamentals of
religion to which all prophets agree and which all divine books provide
for requires all debating parties to believe in all divine books and all
prophets which is a unique characteristic of Islam.
However, if the debate is based on believing things contained in one
book but not the other, when the fact is that each book supports the
truth that the preceding book brought, is unfair. To consider all that is
contained in the previous books as lies is like belying the Qur'an which
has supported the truth contained in the previous books. Every way that
proves the prophethood of any previous prophet is considered a better
proof to the prohphethood of Muhammad. Moreover, any doubt about
the prophethood of Muhammad is a greater doubt about the
prophethood of the prophets who came before him. The false statements

26
Surat Ta Ha: 44.

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Al-Adl (44)
that may be said about other prophets are more false with regard to
Muhammad.
27

Examples that can be used in debating with the People of the Book
include the hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased
with him) thus: "While we were in the mosque, Allah's Apostle came out
and said, 'Let us proceed to the Jews.' So we went out with him till we
came to Bait-al-Midras.
28
The Prophet stood up there and called them,
saying, 'O assembly of Jews! Surrender to Allah (embrace Islam) and
you will be safe!' They said, 'You have conveyed Allah's message, O
Aba-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 the
message, O Aba-al-Qasim.' Allah's Apostle then said to them, 'That is
what 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, know
that 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 to
them. 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 his
debates with the bishops about the strange contradictions in their
changed gospels and other false things they have. He was known for his
nice argumentations and mild words. His debates made the church,
several centres of studies and universities dedicate parts of their libraries
for 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.

109
Al-Adl (44)
Topic Three
Calling them to Stop Slandering the Believers
On 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, and
the 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 Allah
be pleased with them) that he said, "A group from the Jews including
Abu Yaasir bin Akhtab,, Raafi' bin Abu Raafi', Azar, Zaid, Azaar bin
Abu Azaar and Ashba' came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him). They asked about the Prophets in whom he believes. He
replied, 'I believe in Allah and what is revealed to us and what is
revealed to Ibraheem, Isam'eel, Ishaaq, Yaqoob, the tribes and what is
given to Moses and Jesus and what is given to the Prophets from their
Lord; we make no difference between one and the other and we submit
to Him as Muslims.' When he mentioned Jesus, they said, 'We do not
believe 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 try
to slander them for their belief in Allah and the revelations he gave to
His 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 keeping
their way of disbelief; from making fun of and slandering Muslims and
their 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 in
what is revealed by Allah including our book and the books that were

32
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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Al-Adl (44)
revealed before it. The fact is that most of you are wicked and disobey
Allah and follow deviant ideologies."
36

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

Mocking the believers, which Allah has warned the People of the Book
from, is still used by them these days. Those whom Allah wills to guide
to the truth and repentance will be guided to Islam.
I would like to note that the acts of mockery which the predecessors of
the People of the Book made of Muslims are still being made by their
sons these days. They have mocked the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) and his wives, the mothers of the believers. Some of them
have taken such acts of mockery as a habit to the extent that they
describe Muslims as ignorant people who lack tolerance and freedom of
expression."
38

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

Other examples include an advertisement televised on a western
channel about a detergent. The advertiser begins thus: "This detergent
cleans everything even the Arab." A person wearing a dirty Arab attire
appears and a girl tries to clean his clothes with new detergent. The
advertisement ends with the girl's words: "We have done our best." The
advertiser appears again to say, "Laboratory reports proved that the
impossible cleaning of the Arab is not because there are no detergents
but 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 and
Rooh 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.

111
Al-Adl (44)
Muslims. It is also meant to warn them against these acts which will
eventually lead them to quick and utter loss because Allah will not
forgive 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 as
fun," he said, "A Christian in Madeenah used to say when hearing the
caller to prayer saying, "I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger
of Allah," "May Allah kill the liar." His servant brought him one night
some fire while he his family was falling asleep and a spark of it
dropped 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, it
also prohibits loving them and associating oneself with them. This has
been provided for expressly with regard to the People of the Book. Allah
says, "O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your
friends 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 take
friends among the People of the Book. Muslims were confused about
this issue and some of them thought it was permissible for them to take
friends from Jews based on the actual interests and relations that were
present among Muslims and Jews before the advent of Islam and in the
early days of Islam in Madeenah. In fact, the above verse expressly
forbids this type of associating oneself with Jews and Christians.
The visible mistake is that some Muslims confuse between Islam's call
to tolerance in dealing with the People of the Book and treating kindly
those among them who live in Muslim community and loyalty to them.
Loyalty should only be given to Allah, the Prophet (peace and blessings
be 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

112
Al-Adl (44)
friends with the People of the Book omitting that this is the main source
of loss and danger that threatens them because some of the People of the
Book are friends with each other and are loyal to each other in fighting
against the Muslim community. They hate for Muslims to stick to their
Islam and will not be satisfied until Muslims abandon their religion and
follow the religion of the People of the Book even if they keep their
apparent names as Muslims. They are adamant and keen to take this
war to the end.
43

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

The Qur'anic verses clearly indicate that this great sin is only
committed by those who are weak in belief and those who are
hypocrites. Allah says, "Those in whose hearts is a disease, you see how
eagerly they run about amongst them, saying: 'We do fear lest a change
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."
45

Some of the hypocrites presented some pretexts that their loyalty to
the People of the Book was prompted by need and that some misfortune
might inflict them if the People of the Book got victorious. Allah has
refuted their allegations: "Those in whose hearts is a disease - you see
how eagerly they run about amongst them, saying: 'We do fear lest a
change 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
46

113
Al-Adl (44)
Makkah was conquered as a clear sign of Allah's support for the
believers and as refutation of the thoughts of the hypocrites.
Conquests will definitely make Muslims victorious over their enemies
provided that they strictly adhere to Allah's teachings and maintain
loyalty to Him alone. This victory is closely related to understanding the
way of Allah and establishing all conceptions according to His law.
Someone might ask about the forms of loyalty to the People of the
Book. The forms of loyalty to the People of the Book are many, most
important of which are the following:
1. Accepting their disbelief and not classifying them as disbelievers or
doubting that they are disbelievers or considering as valid any of their
sects.
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 their
fight against Muslims.
12. Running away from the land of Islam to the land of war as an
expression of hatred of Muslims and love for them.
13. Joining secular or polytheist parties they form and advocating their
concepts and principles.
47

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

114
Al-Adl (44)
Topic Five
Admitting that Some People of the Book are Pious or
Righteous
Allah has praised some people among the People of the Book and
described them as believers and pious. This means that they are
believers in Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the
book revealed to him. This leaves no excuse for any one among the
People of the Book to maintain his disbelief because those whom Allah
has praised embraced Islam. However, those who claimed to be
believers but in fact did not revert to Islam are liars. Allah says, "And
there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in
Allah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in
humility to Allah. They will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserable
gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is swift in
account."
48

The above verse tells about a group of the People of the Book that they
truly believe in Allah, the revelation given to Muhammad (peace and
blessings be upon him), the previous books of revelation and that they
obey Allah, fear Him and follow His injunctions because they have
already had signs from Allah about the coming of the Prophet
Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), about his qualities and
about the qualities of his nation. These are the best among the People of
the 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 that
they 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, the
loss is their own."
50

Several other verses praise people among Jews and Christians who
believed in the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Holy
Qur'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.

115
Al-Adl (44)
unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),
in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and
forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and
pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases
them 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 the
light which is sent down with him, it is they who will prosper."
51
"Not all
of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (For
the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they
prostrate themselves in worship."
52
and "Say: 'Whether you believe in it
or not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, when
it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration, and
they say: 'Glory to our Lord! Truly has the promise of our Lord been
fulfilled!' They fall down on their faces in tears, and it increases their
(earnest) humility."
53

Commenting on the above verses, Ibn Katheer writes, "These qualities
are fulfilled by some Jews but a few of them like Abdullah bin Salaam
and other Jews who did not exceed ten persons. As for Christians, many
of 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 Jews
and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers will you
find those who say, 'We are Christians': because amongst these are men
devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they
are not arrogant. And when they listen to the revelation received by the
Messenger, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they
recognise the truth: they pray: 'Our Lord! We believe; write us down
among the witnesses. What cause can we have not to believe in Allah
and 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 has
Allah 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
53
Surat Al-Israa': 107-109.

116
Al-Adl (44)
those who reject Faith and belie our Signs, they shall be companions of
Hell-fire."
54

It is reported that the verse which we quoted at the beginning of this
topic: "And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those
who believe in Allah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to
them, bowing in humility to Allah. They will not sell the Signs of Allah
for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is
swift in account"
55
was revealed about An-Najaashee, the King of
Abyssinia, who was a Christian and reverted to Islam. Al-Haakim
reported from Aamir bin Abdullah bin Az-Zubair that the verse: "And
there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in
Allah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in
humility to Allah. They will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserable
gain! 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 this
verse was revealed about An-Najaashee and others who believed in the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) but who could not migrate
to the Prophet or show that they were Muslims in their lands where
Christians might have harmed them if they did so. It is reported that the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed the funeral
prayer on him when he died.
57
He is considered like those who believed
in the Prophet in the land of war, who could not migrate to the land of
Islam and who could not perform the rituals of Islam. Someone might
appear to be a disbeliever but in fact he is a believer like the man from
the people of the Pharaoh. Allah says, "A believer, a man from among
the people of Pharaoh, who had concealed his faith, said: 'Will you slay a
man because he says, 'My Lord is Allah?'"
58

59

54
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.

117
Al-Adl (44)
As already stated, Allah says, " But those among them who are well-
grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what has been
revealed to you and what was revealed before you: And (especially)
those who establish regular prayer and practise regular charity and
believe in Allah and in the Last Day: To them shall We soon give a great
reward."
60

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

Topic Six
It is Permissible to Eat from the Animals they
Slaughter
One of the important issues that need to be elaborated on is the ruling
on 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 unto
you."
62
This means that the meat of the animals slaughtered by the
People of the Book, but not those of other religions, is permissible for
Muslims to eat. The reason for this is that the Jews and Christians follow
other prophets and revelations.
All prophets agree that no slaughter for the sake of other than Allah is
permissible. The Jews and Christians believe that it is unlawful to
slaughter an animal for the sake of anyone other than Allah and
therefore their slaughtered animals are made permissible for Muslims to
eat.
63

60
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.

118
Al-Adl (44)
Ibn Abbaas, Abu Umaamah, Mujaahid, Sa'eed bin Jubair, Ikrimah,
Ataa', Al-Hassan, Makhool, Ibraheem Al-Nakha'ee, Al-Sadee and
Muqaatil bin Hayaan reported that the word "food" here means the meat
of the animals slaughtered by the People of the Book.
64

Ibn Katheer writes, "This is a point of consensus among scholars that
the meat of the animals they slaughter is lawful for Muslims to eat
because they believe that it is prohibited to slaughter any animal for the
sake of other than Allah and they do not mention any name while
slaughtering their animals other than that of Allah though they ascribe
to 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 than
Allah, do not eat [from the meat of the slaughtered animal."
66

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

Commenting on the above verse, Ibn Taymiyah writes, "If it is said
that 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 is
wrong for the following reasons: 1) these kinds of foods are lawful for all
human beings and therefore there is no sense of specifying it for the
People of the Book, 2) ascribing food to them means that it is made as a
food by their act on it which applies to slaughtered animals which
turned into meat by being slaughtered by them while fruits are made
edible by Allah without needing an action by a human being, 3) the
legality of food is associated with the legality of marrying women from
among them which makes the meat of animals special from the People
of the Book while fruits and cereals generally apply to all human beings
and 4) The term "food" is general and is more related to meat than to
fruits 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.

119
Al-Adl (44)
Therefore, all their foods are lawful for Muslims to eat and the other
way round.
It is reported in the Saheeh books of hadeeth that a Jew woman
presented the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) a grilled sheep
at Khaibar and that he took one bite of it and said, "This sheep tells me
that it is poisoned." Had animals slaughtered by them are not lawful for
Muslims to eat, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would
not have eaten from the sheep. It is also reported that when Muslims
invaded Khaibar, a Muslim took a sack full of fat and said, "I would not
give any of it to any one." He turned his face and saw the Prophet
laughing and did not forbid him to eat it.
68

Ibn Taymiyah argues that this hadeeth is considered a proof that the
Muslim army may eat from the foods of the enemy before dividing them
among warriors.
Moreover, the Prophet accepted the invitation of a Jew to eat some
barley bread and some animal fat.
69
Had the meat taken from the
animals slaughtered by the People of the Book been unlawful, their
utensils would have also been unlawful to use. It is reported that the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade eating in their
utensils but he then permitted it if these utensils are washed before they
are used.
70

Finally, it is known that when the companions of the Prophet (peace
and blessings be upon him) conquered Syria, Iraq and Egypt, they used
to 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 the
Magus.
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.

120
Al-Adl (44)
Topic Seven
It is Permissible to Marry Chaste Women from the
People of the Book
The Holy Qur'an clearly states that it is permissible for Muslims to
marry chaste women from the People of the Book: "The food of the
People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them.
(Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are
believers, 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 allowed
to marry chaste, or according to At-Tabaaree, free
73
women from the
People of the Book. This includes all chaste women from the People of
the Book, be they free or slaves.
74

It is reported that Ibn Abbaas said, "When the verse 'Do not marry
polytheist women until they believe"
75
was revealed, Muslims refrained
from marrying women from the People of the Book until the verse: "But
also chaste women among the People of the Book" was revealed when
they 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 on
this verse.
77

In Zaad Al-Maseer
78
Ibn Al-Jawzee writes, "It is reported that
Uthmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) married Naa'ilah bint Al-
Faraafisah, who was a Christian, and that Talhaa bin Ubaidillah married
a 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
76
Ad-Dur Al-Manthoor, 1/458 as reported by Ibn Abu Haatim and At-Tabaraanee.
77
78
2/296-297.

121
Al-Adl (44)
Those who argue that it is prohibited to marry a Christian woman
based on the verse: "Do not marry polytheist women until they believe"
79

and the verse: "Do not keep marriage with the disbeliever women"
80
are
replied to by Ibn Taymiyah that this is the ruling used by some of those
who have innovated in the religion. He comments as follows: "1) The
People of the Book are not part of the polytheists as clearly stated in the
verse: 'Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish
(scriptures), and the Sabians, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists, Allah
will judge between them on the Day of Judgment: for Allah is witness of
all things.'
81
If it is said that Allah described them as polytheists as in the
Qur'anic statement: " They take their priests and their anchorites to be
their lords in derogation of Allah, and (they take as their Lord) Christ
the 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 having
the partners they associate (with Him)"
82
, it can be said that the original
religion of the People of the Book does not include any polytheist
concepts for Allah has sent messengers believing in His oneness but the
Christians innovated polytheist concepts in their religions as is clear in
the verb "associate" which means that they innovated such polytheist
concepts about Allah and therefore they are distinguished from original
polytheists. 2) If the polytheists are mentioned alone in a verse, they
include the People of the Book but if the verse includes both polytheists
and the People of the Book, the People of the Book are not included in
polytheists. Therefore, it can be said that the verse in Al-Baqarah is
general while the other verse in Al-Maa'idah is specific and the specific
should be given preference over the general. 3) The verse in Al-maa'idah
abrogates that in Al-Baqarah because Surat Al-Maa'idah was revealed
after 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
80
Surat Al-Mumtahinah: 10.
81
Surat Al-Hajj: 17.
82

122
Al-Adl (44)
things unlawful in it."
83
The verse revealed later abrogates the one
revealed earlier if they contradict.
84

The Qur'anic statement: "Do not keep marriage with the disbeliever
women"
85
was revealed after the Hubaibiyah Treaty with the Pagans
after the migration to Madeenah.
86
In it Allah ordered the Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him) to examine those women who
migrated with Muslims but were doubted to be Muslims. The order to
release the pagan women as in the above verse applies to pagan women.
Disbelievers are sometimes are distinguished from the People of the
Book as in the Qur'anic statement: "Have you not turned you vision to
those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in sorcery and
Evil, 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 but
they innovated disbelief. "
88

Chapter Two
How to Deal with the Jews
Topic One
Exhorting them to Act according to the Torah
The Holy Qur'an states that Muslims should exhort the Jews to act on
the Torah in all their affairs. Allah says, "It was We who revealed the
Torah to (Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have
been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to
Allah's will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them was
entrusted the protection of Allah's book, and they were witnesses
thereto: 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 and
Attiyah 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
88
Majmoo' Al-Fataawaa, 32/178-181.

123
Al-Adl (44)
miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has
revealed, 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 as
a light from Allah to remove ignorance and doubts. He also tells that
this Torah was used by the prophets who submitted to the orders of
Allah to judge among the Jews on different cases and by the doctors of
law who protected it.
The above verse is a clear warning to the Jews against abandoning the
Torah which was applied by the prophets. They are enjoined to believe
in all that it contained especially the signs of the coming of Muhammad
(peace and blessings be upon him)
90
They should be informed that if
they continue concealing and distortion of their book, they will perish in
utter loss as the leaders of misguidance.
At-Tabaaree reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be
pleased with him) said, "A man from the Jews committed adultery. They
[the Jews) said to each other, let us go to this Prophet [Muhammad] for
he is sent with some easy rules. If he gives us a verdict lighter than
stoning, we would accept it and take it as an excuse before Allah saying
it is a verdict by one of your prophets. They came to the Prophet (peace
and blessings be upon him) while he was sitting in the mosque with his
companions. They said, 'Abal Qaasim! What do you say about a man
and a woman who committed adultery?' He did not utter one word until
he came to Bait Al-Midras. He stood at the door and said, 'I ask you by
Allah who revealed the Torah to Moses, what do you find in the Torah
regarding the married man or woman who commits adultery?' They
said, 'He should be bathed, defamed and whipped.' Defamation is to
carry 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, he
insisted on him to answer. The young man said, 'As long as you asked
us by Allah, we find in the Torah that they should be stoned.' The
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them what was the

89
90
Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan, p. 232. See also Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem, 2/61.

124
Al-Adl (44)
first event when the injunctions of Allah were belittled by them. The
young man replied, "A man of a close relation to one of our kings
committed adultery. He was not stoned. Another man from them also
committed adultery. The King wanted to stone him. His tribe defended
him and asked the King to stone his relative before stoning their relative.
They resorted to their prophet.' The Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) said, 'I will rule as stated in the Torah,' and ordered stoning
the adulterous man and woman.' Az-Zurhee comments, "We are told
that 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 judge
between the Jews according to the provisions of the Holy Qur'an if they
resort to him for judgment and not to succumb to their desires. Allah
says, "And this (He commands): Judge you between them by what Allah
has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest
they beguile you from any of that (teaching) which Allah has sent down
to you. And if they turn away, be assured that for some of their crime it
is 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 than
Allah."
92

This is an order by Allah to His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon
him) to judge between the Jews according to the Holy Qur'an and the
judgments given by previous prophets (peace be upon them) if they seek
his judgment on certain cases. He also reminds the Prophet to be careful
for they might try to make him deviate from the revelation Allah has
sent 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 Ibn
Abdul Bar, 14/401 and Al-Mughnee by Ibn Qudaamah, 9/65.
92
93
Jaami' Al-Bayaan, 6/273 and Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem, 2/67.

125
Al-Adl (44)
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 case
of the man and woman who committed adultery. This indicates that the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ruled according to the
provisions 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 truth
about the ruling contained in the Torah which they have abandoned for
a 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 and
woman who had committed adultery they submitted to the ruling of
Allah. Originally, they sought a judgment from the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) with the purpose of making him agree with their
vain desires but Allah uncovered all their plots.
94

Topic Three
It is Permissible to Conclude Treaties with the Jews If
Muslims are Strong Enough to Stop them If they Break
their Promises
The Prophet's Sunnah indicates that it is permissible to conclude
treaties and reconcilement with the Jews if Muslims are strong enough
to stop them if they break these treaties.
In the Prophet's Sunnah we are told that the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) concluded a charter with the Jews of Banu
Quraidhah which contained a treaty of peace between Muslims and
Jews. According to this charter, the Jews promised not to fight against
Muslims or harm them. However, they broke their promises and torn
out the charter. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon
him) fought them except a branch of them called Banu Sa'yah who took
the side of Muslims in fulfillment of their promises.
95

94
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 The
Prophet's Biography in the Light of Original Sources, p. 451.

126
Al-Adl (44)
In At-Tabaqaat Al-Kubraa by Ibn Sa'd we read, "Abu Sufyaan bin Harb
sent Huyay bin Akhtab to Banu Quraidhah to request them to break the
treaty they have with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
and to support them against him. They first refused to do so but then
they agreed with him to break the treaty. The Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) knew of this fact and said, 'Allah is sufficient for
us 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 of
Khaibar. The conditions of the treaty stated that the Jews should not
conceal anything of movables, that the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) is to receive any gold, silver, arms and shields they have and
that they take things that their animals may be able to carry. However,
they broke the treaty and concealed a sack of gold belonging to Huyay
bin Akhtab who was killed before the battle of Khaibar. When the
Prophet (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 and
expenses. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him
that the money was large and that no long time has passed since he took
the sack of gold. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked
Az-Zubair to question him. Az-Zubair questioned him and he admitted
that he saw Huyay frequenting a certain place. They searched the place
and found the sack of gold. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings
be upon him) killed the two sons of Abu Al-Huqaiq and took their
women and children as slaves and divided their property for the treason
they committed."
97

The above narrations clearly indicate that it is permissible to conclude
peace treaties with the Jews provided that Muslims are capable of
punishing them if they break these treaties since they are notorious for
breaking their covenants. Allah says, "But because of their breach of
their 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.

127
Al-Adl (44)
change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the
message that was sent them."
98

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) concluded peace
treaties with the Jews although he knew their nature. He did so because
he was able to punish them when they broke their promises. Had he
known that he was not able to punish them, he would not have made
these treaties with them.
Topic Four
Admitting their Fair and True Statements
One of the good features of Islam is that it enjoins fair treatment of
non-Muslims including admitting their true statements. It is narrated
that a Jew who was living in the vicinity of Banu Abdul Ash-hal told
them about the coming of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon
him). They asked him to give them a sign. He said to them that the new
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would appear from the side
of 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, "There
remains no sign of prophethoold I have not seen in the face of
Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) when I looked at him
except two signs: his tolerance precedes his anger and any injustice
made to him adds to his tolerance." He kept company with the Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him) until these two signs were known to
him, and hence he declared his reversion to Islam."
100

98
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.

128
Al-Adl (44)
Topic Five
If a Jew Kills a Muslim, He should be Killed
Muslim jurists contend that if a non-Muslim kills a Muslim, he should
be killed. This is clearly stated in the Prophet's Sunnah. The Jews
attempted to kill the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) by
poisoning him. A Jewish woman presented the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) with a grilled sheep in which she put a large
quantity of poison especially in the sheep's arm because she knew that
the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) liked it. When the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ate from the sheep's arm, it
told him that it was poisoned and so he spat the bite he took. He
questioned the woman and she confessed her crime. However, the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not punish her but when
Bishr bin Al-Baraa' bin Ma'roor died as a result of the poison he
swallowed when he ate with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon
him) 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 narrated
by Anas bin Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) we read, "A Jew
crushed the head of a Muslim girl by two rocks. She was asked about the
culprit and she told them about his name. The Jew confessed his crime.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered crushing his
head between two rocks."
102

Commenting on the above hadeeth, An-Nawawee writes, "The hadeeth
states that a man may be killed for killing a woman according to the
unanimous agreement of scholars who consider the hadeeth as authentic,
that the culprit who deliberately kills someone should be killed in the
same 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

129
Al-Adl (44)
a sword, if he kills him by a rock, he should be killed by a rock and so
on. 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 two
hadeeths, the ruler is the one having authority to order punishing
someone by killing him.
Topic Six
It is Permissible to Allow them to Stay in their Homes
in the Country that Changes to the Abode of Islam
unless they Harm Muslims or Support others against
them
By having a close look at the Prophet's Sunnah, it becomes clear that
when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) migrated to
Madeenah and settled there, some Jews were living in the town. The
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him allowed them to stay in their
homes and concluded a peace treaty with them. The treaty stated, "The
Jews will contribute towards the war when fighting alongside the
Believers; the Jews of Bani Awf will be treated as one community with
the Believers; the Jews have their religion and this will also apply to
their freedmen; the exception will be those who act unjustly and sinfully;
by so doing they wrong themselves and their families. The same applies
to 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) and
the Bani Al Shutayba. Loyalty gives protection against treachery. (loyal
people are protected by their friends against treachery. As long as a
person remains loyal to the State he is not likely to succumb to the ideas
of being treacherous. He protects himself against weakness). The
freedmen of Thaalba will be afforded the same status as Thaalba
themselves. This status is for fair dealings and full justice as a right and
equal responsibility for military service. Those in alliance with the Jews
will 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.

130
Al-Adl (44)
party to the Pact) shall go to war except with the permission of
Muhammed (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). If any wrong
has been done to any person or party it may be avenged. Any one who
kills another without warning (there being no just cause for it) amounts
to his slaying himself and his household, unless the killing was done
due to a wrong being done to him. The Jews must bear their own
expenses (in War) and the Muslims bear their expenses. If anyone
attacks anyone who is a party to this Pact the other must come to his
help. They (parties to this Pact) must seek mutual advice and
consultation. Loyalty gives protection against treachery. Those who
avoid mutual consultation do so because of lack of sincerity and loyalty.
A man will not be made liable for misdeeds of his ally. Anyone (any
individual or party) who is wronged must be helped. The Jews must pay
(for war) with the Muslims. (this clause appears to be for occasions
when Jews are not taking part in the war. Clause 37 deals with occasions
when they are taking part in war). Yathrib will be Sanctuary for the
people of this Pact. A stranger (individual) who has been given
protection (by anyone party to this Pact) will be treated as his host (who
has given him protection) while (he is) doing no harm and is not
committing any crime. Those given protection but indulging in anti-state
activities will be liable to punishment. A woman will be given protection
only with the consent of her family (Guardian). (a good precaution to
avoid inter-tribal conflicts). In case of any dispute or controversy, which
may result in trouble the matter must be referred to Allah and
Muhammed (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), The Prophet
(may Allah bless him and grant him peace) of Allah will accept anything
in 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. If
they (the parties to the Pact other than the Muslims) are called upon to
make and maintain peace (within the State) they must do so. If a similar
demand (of making and maintaining peace) is made on the Muslims, it
must be carried out, except when the Muslims are already engaged in a
war in the Path of Allah. (so that no secret ally of the enemy can aid the
enemy by calling upon Muslims to end hostilities under this clause).
Everyone (individual) will have his share (of treatment) in accordance

131
Al-Adl (44)
with what party he belongs to. Individuals must benefit or suffer for the
good or bad deed of the group they belong to. Without such a rule party
affiliations and discipline cannot be maintained. The Jews of al-Aws,
including their freedmen, have the same standing, as other parties to the
Pact, as long as they are loyal to the Pact. Loyalty is a protection against
treachery. Anyone who acts loyally or otherwise does it for his own
good (or loss). Allah approves this Document. This document will not
(be employed to) protect one who is unjust or commits a crime (against
other parties of the Pact). Whether an individual goes out to fight (in
accordance with the terms of this Pact) or remains in his home, he will
be safe unless he has committed a crime or is a sinner. (i.e. No one will
be punished in his individual capacity for not having gone out to fight in
accordance with the terms of this Pact). Allah is the Protector of the good
people 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 from
harming Muslims or supporting anyone against the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) and Muslims. When some of them breached
their covenants and peace treaties with Muslims, the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) fought against them and drove them out of
Madeenah as will be explained in the next topic.
It should be noted that if the Jews wish to stay in the land which is
controlled by Muslims, they are required to succumb to the rule of Muslims
and that they should not have any separate force. This is what is understood
from the Prophet's dealing with them.
Moreover, the Jews living in a Muslim country have to pay the jizyah to
Muslims. Allah says, "Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day,
nor hold that forbidden which has been forbidden by Allah and His
Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the
People of the Book, until they pay the jizyah with willing submission, and
feel themselves subdued."
105

104
Reported by Ibn Hishaam, 3/34.
105

132
Al-Adl (44)
The charter did not mention the subject of jizyah because it was concluded
before the verse on jizyah was revealed.
106

One more condition is that the country, with the exception of the Arabian
Peninsula, is in need of their expertise. The Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) said, "I would expel Jews and Christians from the Arabian
Peninsula."
107

According to Al-Qamoos, the Arabian Peninsula is the land surrounded by
the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean and the Tigris and Euphrates rivers or
from Aden to Syria and from Jeddah to Iraq countryside.
108

Therefore, if Muslims need them, they can allow to stay in the land of
Islam provided that they do not harm Muslims or support or be supported
by others against them.
Topic Seven
They should be Expelled from the Land of Islam if
they Attempt to Kill the Muslim Ruler or Breach their
Covenants
The Prophet's Sunnah states that the Jews should be fought and
expelled from the land of Islam where they were living if they breach the
covenants they have with Muslims. Breach of covenants includes any
attempt to kill the Muslim ruler. Banu An-Nadheer, attempted to kill the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when he went to them
asking their help to pay the blood money of the two men from Kilaab
based on the treaty that he had with them. The Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) sat against a wall waiting for them to bring the
money they promised to pay. They connived against him and asked
Amr bin Jahhaash to go on the top of the wall and throw a rock on the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to kill him. Allah informed
the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about their plot. The

106
Tafseer Al-Qur'an Al-Adheem by Ibn Katheer, 2/348 and 3/54; Ahkaam Al-Qur'an by
Ash-Shaafi'ee, 2/53 and 56 and An-Naasikh wal Mansookh by Ibn Hazm, p. 21.
107
Reported by Ahmad, 1/29 and Muslim, 3/1388.
108
Al-Qamoos Al-Muheet, p. 465. See also Subul As-Salaam by As-Sana'aanee, 4/61 and
Nail Al-Awtaar by Ash-Shawkaanee, 8/222.

133
Al-Adl (44)
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) left the place back to
Madeenah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered his
companions to be ready to fight the Jews. He besieged them until they
agreed to leave their homes and to carry with them anything that their
camels can carry.
109

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

Yet another example of breaching covenants is when one of them
blemishes the honour of a Muslim woman. This was done by a Jew from
Banu Qaynuqaa'. This Jew tied up the robe of a Muslim woman in the
marketplace of Banu Qaynuqaa'. When she stood up, her body was
uncovered to people. She shouted for help. A Muslim killed the Jew who
did that. The other Jews gathered and killed the Muslim. The family of
the Muslim sought help from Muslims against the Jews and war was
about to erupt between them. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and
blessings 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 Ibn
Hishaam, 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.

134
Al-Adl (44)
Chapter Three
How to Deal with Christians
Topic One
Exhorting them to Comply with the Provisions of the
Gospel
One of the most important directions by Allah to Christians as
mentioned in the Holy Qur'an is that Allah exhorted them to comply
with the provisions of the Gospel, the book revealed to Jesus (peace be
upon him). Allah says, "Let the people of the Gospel judge by what
Allah has revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what
Allah has revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel."
112

The above verse is a clear proof that Christians are ordered to comply
with the Gospel before the advent of Islam. Allah says, "O Messenger!
Let not those grieve you, who race each other into unbelief: (whether it
be) among those who say 'We believe' with their lips but whose hearts
have 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. They
change the words from their (right) times and places: they say, 'If ye are
given this, take it, but if not, beware!' If any one's trial is intended by
Allah, you have no authority in the least for him against Allah. For such
it is not Allah's will to purify their hearts. For them there is disgrace in
this world, and in the Hereafter a heavy punishment. (They are fond of)
listening to falsehood, of devouring anything forbidden. If they do come
to 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 come
to you for decision, when they have (their own) law before them?
Therein is the (plain) command of Allah. Yet even after that, they would
turn away, for they are not (really) People of Faith. It was We who
revealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its
standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in

112

135
Al-Adl (44)
Islam) to Allah's will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them
was entrusted the protection of Allah's book, and they were witnesses
thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell not my signs for a
miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has
revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers. We ordained therein for
them: 'Life for life, eye for eye, nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth
and wounds equal for equal.' But if any one remits the retaliation by
way 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 had
come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear
Allah. Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed
therein. 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 of
Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to Christians who were
present 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 be
upon him). Allah says, "Those who follow the apostle, the unlettered
Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures), in the
Torah and the Gospel; for he commands them what is just and forbids
them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and
prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them 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 the light
which is sent down with him, it is they who will prosper."
114

115

113
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 and

136
Al-Adl (44)
Topic Two
Calling them to Islam Politely
Christians are the first among the People of the Book who should be
called to embrace Islam. This is the way adopted by the Holy Qur'an as
is clear in the following verse: "Say: 'O People of the Book! Come to
common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah;
that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among
ourselves, 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 be
upon him); he called the chiefs of Christians to Islam whenver he found
a chance to do so.
In his epistle to the Hercules, the Roman Emperor, he wrote, "In the
Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. To Hercules, the Great of
the Romans, Peace be with those who follow guidance. I call upon you
to follow Islam. Submit to Islam and you will be safe. Submit to Islam
and 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 the
Book! Come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship
none but Allah; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect
not, from among ourselves, 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).'"
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 to
Islam, 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
117
118
Reported by Al-Bukhaaree, 1/7 and Muslim, 3/139. See also Al-deebaaj alaa Saheeh
Muslim, 4/382 for explanation.

137
Al-Adl (44)
wrote letters to Khosrau, Caesar, An-Najaashee and to other kings
calling 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 while
An-Najaashee embraced Islam and so his dynasty continued to be
prosperous. An-Nawawee writes, "Hercules did not like to lose his
power and authority and therefore he refused to embrace Islam. This is
clearly stated in Saheeh Al-Bukharee. Had Allah willed him to embrace
Islam, he would have guided him to it and he would not have lost his
power."
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, he
should be careful and concise. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon
him) addressed him as "Hercules, the great of the Romans" but not the
emperor or king of Romans because Allah is only the King and none
other than Him has any control on anything on earth without
surrendering to Islam and without being permitted to have power from
the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Acts by non-Muslims
are implemented within the limits of need. Moreover, he did not address
him as "Hercules" only, rather he added the words "Great of the
Romans" whom the Romans hold in esteem. This is meant to be gentle
and polite with him. Allah says, 'Call unto the way of your Lord with
wisdom 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 compel
anyone to embrace it. Allah says, "Let there be no compulsion in
religion."
124
Renowned personalities from the West have admitted this
moral 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

138
Al-Adl (44)
sects other than Muslims to accept Islam or about any organized
prosecution meant to undermine the religion of Christianity."
125

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

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

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

Topic Three
Admitting 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 the
hatred 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 avail
them on the Day of Judgment unless they accept Islam as their religion.
Examples denoting Islam's fair stance from non-Muslims include the
following:
1. The position taken by An-Najaashee, King of Abyssinia, with the
Prophet'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

139
Al-Adl (44)
and supported them. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
had already told his companions thus: "In the land of Abyssinia there is
a king who wrongs no one. Go you to his land until Allah avails you a
way out of your ordeal."
130

Um Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "We left [our
homes in Makkah] until we gather there [in Abyssinia] where we found
it 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 sought
refuge in his land, An-Najaashee refused to surrender Muslims to the
envoys from the pagans. He did not suffice with listening to the envoys
of Quraish but asked Muslims to appear before him to hear from them
before taking a decision on their case. Ja'far bin Abi Taalib (may Allah be
pleased with him) spoke on behalf of his comrades. Upon An-
Najaashee's request, Ja'far recited some verses from the beginning of
Surat Maryam (Mary). Tears flowed from the King's eyes and his
bishops also cried until they wetted the books they were carrying. He
addressed Quraish's envoys thus: "This and the one brought by Jesus
emerge 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 biography
we are told that when the people of Taif disappointed the Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him), Utbah and Shaibah felt mercy for the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). They ordered their slave
Addaas to offer the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) some
grapes. They said to him, "Take these grapes to that man. He did. Before
eating any of these grapes, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon
him) mentioned the name of Allah. Addaas was astonished to hear these
words. 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 good
by 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.

140
Al-Adl (44)
words are not uttered by the people of this town." The Prophet (peace
and blessings be upon him) told him that he was a messenger from
Allah. Addaas was sure that he was a messenger from Allah and began
kissing his hands and pronounced the testimony of accepting Islam.
133

3. The position taken by Baheeraa the Priest when he admitted the
truth that he knew about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Abu Taalib (the Prophet's uncle) with the Prophet (peace and blessings
be 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 reached
the place of the priest for some rest, the priest received them while he
was not receiving them before. He began checking their faces. He caught
the 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 to
mankind." He knew the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) by
the seal of prophethood on the lower part of his shoulder.
134

4. The position taken by Nestor the Priest. In the Prophet's biography
we read, "When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reached
Busra 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 a
Prophet would take rest under this tree.' He asked Maysara [Khadeejah's
slave, 'Is there some redness in his eyes?' Maysara replied, 'Yes.' Nestor
commented, '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 and
blessings be upon him) to him at the beginning of revelation. Waraqah
embraced Christianity in the period before the advent of Islam. He used
to 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'd
in Al-Tabaqaat Al-Kubraa, 4/82.
135
Safwat As-Safwah by Ibn Al-jawzee, 1/72.

141
Al-Adl (44)
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 he
saw. Waraqah said, "This is the angle who was sent down to Moses. If
but I am young when your people drive you out." The Prophet asked,
"Would they drive me out?' Waraqah replied, "Yes. Anyone who
brought the things you brought would be hurt. If but I remain alive to
support you." Waraqah died a short time after this event.
136

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

Topic Four
It 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 his
companions to leave to the land of Abyssinia where the Christian king
provided shelter for them. In this hadeeth, the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) told them, " In the land of Abyssinia there is a
king who wrongs no one. Go you to his land until Allah avails you a
way out of your ordeal." Moreover, we read Um Salamah's statement in
the same narration thus: "We left [our homes in Makkah] until we gather
there [in Abyssinia] where we found it to be the best home and the best
neighours and where we were safe, fearing no injustice from him [the
King of Abyssinia]."
This is a clear proof from the Prophet's Sunnah that a Muslim may seek
protection from a Christian if that Christian is known for his justice, if
the Muslim is sure that he would not be abused or forced to abandon his
religion and if there is urgent need for such protection.

136
137

142
Al-Adl (44)
In the position taken by the King of Abyssinia who eventually reverted to
Islam 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 to
surrender the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
returned disappointed while the emigrants lived in peace and security in
his 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 in
attracting huge numbers from them to the folk of Islam.
2. Conviction has its great effect on making many persons belonging
to 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 free
choice rather than injustice and compulsion.
4. Treatment of the People of the Book with justice and right does not
mean agreement with their beliefs or ideologies.
5. Loyalty to and love of the People of the Book is warned against
because it is a basic part of the faith of Islam which should not be
surrendered in any way whatsoever.
6. Prohibition of loyalty to the People of the Book does not mean
treating them with injustice or trespassing over their rights.
7. If the People of the Book use force against Muslims, Muslims should
defend their lives and honours by all ways possible. If Muslims have
enough power, they are required and exhorted to call the People of the
Book to Islam in the way detailed in this paper.

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