Historical Examples of Religious Tolerance by Muslim Rulers❖ Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq: Justice Beyond Status
A Hindu man filed a lawsuit against Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq, alleging that the Sultan had wrongfully killed his brother. The Qadi summoned the Sultan, who appeared in court as an accused without arrogance. The Qadi ruled that the complainant must be satisfied, or qisas (retribution) would be enforced. The Sultan reconciled with the plaintiff and was thus spared.
This incident illustrates how Muslim rulers respected the rights of non-Muslims and practiced justice without bias.
❖ Sultan Shihabuddin Ghauri: Protection of Non-Muslim Property
After the defeat of Anhilwara, while residing in Ghazni, someone suggested that the property of a Hindu merchant, Vissala Abhar, be confiscated. Sultan Ghauri replied:
“If the property were in Anhilwara, it could have been seized lawfully; but in Ghazni, it is under our protection—seizing it here is unlawful (haram).”
(Jami‘ al-Hikayat wa Lam‘ al-Riwayat, p. 47; cited in "Muslim Rulers’ Religious Tolerance", p. 72)
❖ Ghiyasuddin Balban: Recognized as a Just Ruler
During his reign (1265–1286), Hindu-Muslim relations were harmonious. A Sanskrit inscription referred to Balban as “the bearer of the world's burden and the standard-bearer of justice.”
(Hindustan ke Mu‘asharati Halat Azminah-e-Wusta, by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, p. 98)
❖ Alauddin Khalji: Respect for Hindu Religious Leaders
Though often labeled as a strict ruler, Alauddin Khalji showed respect to Hindu religious leaders. Hindu figure Ram Chandra Suri and others were honored in the royal court.
(Islam Aman-o-Aashti ka ‘Alam-Bardar, p. 74, Hyderabad)
❖ Sultan Sikandar Lodi: Promoting Linguistic Inclusivity
Sultan Sikandar Lodi showed exceptional care for his Hindu subjects. Upon realizing that Hindus did not understand Persian, he encouraged Brahmins to learn Persian so they could qualify for government positions—a fine example of intercommunal harmony.
(Monthly Ma‘arif, Azamgarh, Jan 1920, pp. 46–47)
❖ Zahiruddin Babur: Founding Justice with Tolerance
Babur established a precedent of religious tolerance in India. He was known for his fair treatment of Hindu subjects. On his deathbed, he advised his son Humayun to eliminate religious prejudices and be just to all.
(Mughal Empire of India, p. 55, Prof. Shri Ram Sharan Sharma)
❖ Tipu Sultan: Inclusive Governance and Support for Temples
Tipu Sultan treated non-Muslims with exemplary fairness. His prime minister and military commander were Brahmins. He financially supported temples and appointed people of all religions to state offices.
(Mazhabi Rawadari, Vol. 3, p. 317)
❖ Islamic Rule in the Deccan: Harmony and Brotherhood
Deccan rulers promoted Hindu-Muslim unity. Ibrahim Qutb Shah established love and harmony in Golconda, while Sultan Abul Hasan Tana Shah appointed non-Muslims to high-ranking positions.
(Tarikh-e-Hyderabad, p. 8)
❖ Jalaluddin Akbar: Institutionalizing Tolerance
Akbar demonstrated exceptional generosity toward Hindu subjects. He appointed Hindus to important military and administrative positions and ensured they received every possible facility.
(Maqalat-e-Shibli, Vol. 1, p. 222)
❖ Aurangzeb Alamgir: Misunderstood Yet Just
Aurangzeb is often accused of harshness toward non-Muslims, but historical evidence refutes these claims. He granted land to temples and appointed Hindu chiefs to prominent roles.
According to Bengali historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar:
“Aurangzeb never forcibly converted any Hindu nor killed a Hindu in times of peace.”
(Tarikh-e-Aurangzeb, cited in "Ghalat Fahmiyan wa Wazahatain", p. 16)
❖ Conclusion
From the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughal Empire, Muslim rulers across centuries in India consistently demonstrated religious tolerance, justice, and inclusivity. These historical instances clearly prove that Islamic governance was not only about power—but about protecting the rights and dignity of all, regardless of their religion.
