Peace and Justice: Exemplary Eras of the Muslim Ummah❖ The Muslim Ummah and Its Legacy of Peace and Tolerance
Throughout history, the Muslim Ummah has upheld the values of Islamic teachings and the Prophetic model ﷺ, establishing itself as a peace-loving nation. Muslims have demonstrated generosity and tolerance toward non-Muslims, ensuring protection of their rights and sentiments. Great sacrifices were made to preserve peace in society. As a result, sectarian violence and bloodshed are rare in Islamic history.
Below are examples from various Islamic ruling periods, showcasing the Ummah’s legacy of peace, justice, and tolerance.
❖ Era of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA)
Internal Peace and Protection of Non-Muslims
Under the caliphate of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq رضي الله عنه, peace prevailed internally, and non-Muslims were treated with fairness and tolerance.
✔ Treaty of Hira: After the conquest of Hira, a treaty was signed with Christians:
① Their monasteries and churches would remain protected.
② No restrictions would be placed on bell-ringing or public display of crosses.
③ They could wear non-military attire, provided it did not resemble Muslim dress.
✔ Justice for Non-Muslims:
When a non-Muslim woman’s hand was unjustly cut, Abu Bakr (RA) rebuked the responsible officer, stating:
“If she was a dhimmi, harsh punishment was not appropriate, for we overlook even their grave offenses.”
❖ Era of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)
Justice, Prosperity, and Protection of Minorities
The rule of ‘Umar al-Farooq رضي الله عنه is renowned for justice, development, and security. He paid special attention to the rights of religious minorities.
✔ Treaty of Jerusalem: After the conquest of Jerusalem, the non-Muslim population was given full protection:
① Their churches and crosses were not to be harmed.
② No coercion in religious conversion.
③ Their life, property, and religious freedom were guaranteed.
(Al-Farooq by Shibli, 2/137)
✔ Model of Justice:
– A Christian king once struck an Arab villager. ‘Umar (RA) ruled that the villager could retaliate in the same manner.
(Islam ka Nizam-e-Aman, p. 49 – Mufti Zafeeruddin)
– In another case, when a Coptic man filed a complaint, the governor’s son was punished, and ‘Umar (RA) famously said:
“Since when have you enslaved people when their mothers gave birth to them free?”
(Khulafa-e-Arba‘a, p. 2 – Maulana Ali Mian Nadwi)
✔ Return of Jizya:
In Homs, when Muslims withdrew due to war, the jizya was returned to the local populace. Touched by this justice, the people supported the Muslims.
(Futuh al-Buldan, Vol. 1, p. 144)
❖ Era of ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan (RA)
Accountability and Welfare
Under the caliphate of ‘Uthman رضي الله عنه, there was a strong focus on peace, progress, and public welfare.
✔ During Friday sermons, he would invite public complaints against officers and summon them for investigation.
(Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, p. 73)
✔ When Christians of Najran submitted complaints, ‘Uthman (RA) immediately addressed their issues and restored their rights.
(Kitab al-Kharaj by Abu Yusuf, p. 276)
❖ A Notable Incident in the Farooq Era
In Alexandria, a soldier damaged a depiction of ‘Isa عليه السلام. The Christians demanded justice. ‘Amr ibn al-‘As رضي الله عنه said:
“We are before you—blind whichever of our eyes you wish.”
The Christians were so moved by this magnanimity that they chose to forgive.
(Khutbat-e-Shibli, pp. 73–74)
❖ Era of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)
Justice Amidst Internal Challenges
Despite internal conflicts, ‘Ali رضي الله عنه remained committed to the rights of non-Muslims.
✔ When a canal serving non-Muslims was blocked, he ordered the governor to restore it immediately, saying its destruction would also harm Muslims.
(Tarikh-e-Islam, Vol. 1, p. 368 – Shah Muinuddin)
✔ Upon receiving complaints about a strict governor, he took swift action to correct the situation.
❖ Conclusion
Throughout the different eras of Islamic rule, the Muslim Ummah established a unique atmosphere of tolerance, justice, and peace. Islamic rulers protected the rights of non-Muslim minorities and proved through action that Islam is a religion of justice, mercy, and generosity.
