Abstrict

Pluralism allows the other people to live and practice their beliefs, religions in a same society. This paper explains the behavior of venerable companions of Holy Prophet (PBUH) regarding others who have religion other than Islam. Companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) always treated the followers of the other religions with affection, kindness and compassion. The conduct of Venerable Companions will remain as a guiding star for the human beings.

Keywords

Pluralism, Venerable Companions, Religions, Kindness

Introduction

History witnesses that there is no comparison or example to generosity found in any other religion other than Isl?m. The Prophet (PBUH) was on embodiment of blessing and kindness, from the very first day of preaching to the ever he dealt with tolerance till the end. He was not only a forgiving person but also gives favors to them. Either they are libertines of ??’if or someone other, if they are enemies or conspiring group anyone who came for sorry, will never be rejected rather blessed. After the Prophet (PBUH), His Venerable Companions used to make the same practices and provided other religions whole freedom and their religious rights. 

Here is so many examples of pluralism by the Venerable Companions:

In Ghazwah-e-Badar, Muslims caught many war prisoners and they were distributed among the Venerable Companions because resources were not as good to take care of them. Venerable Companions were asked to take care the prisoners. Those Venerable Companions didn’t care of their own hunger but they fed and took care at their level best. The brother of Mu?‘ab Bin ‘Umayr describes after becoming Muslim:

“Once Ab? ‘Az?z Bin ‘Umar came as a non-Muslim prisoner, brother of Mu?‘ab Bin ‘Umayr, he told about An??rs that they used to feed him with his best and provides him bread but he eats himself with dates (due to the lack of breads). Many of the times I feel ashamed and tried to return but they never accepted and used to return me.”

Except Isl?m there is not such any example in any religion where the conqueror remains hungry, examples of hospitality should never be found for guests, the examples made by An??r in Isl?m, a person who came for killing but entertained as a guest. There is not such a nation or peoples.

?a?rat Ab? Bakr ?idd?q (R.A) and Pluralism

At the time of Prophethood, the followers of many religions were got sheltered in Isl?mic state and through proper deeds they were provided with complete rights. Ab? Bakr ?idd?q (R.A) not only provided them with complete rights rather attested with his seal and initial. In his period, the countries which were conquered by him the non-Muslim found the same rights as the Muslims. One can see the importance of respect and taking care of the belongings of non-Muslims that in Isl?mic society in every deed they are mentioned. And particularly Christians and Jews highlighted in their processions of festivals. There were no instructions for them complete freedom. For example when Kh?lid bin Wal?d (R.A) made a pact on order of Ab? Bakr ?idd?q (R.A), it is particularly mentioned: 

“The monasteries and churches of Ehl-e-A‘?n?t should not be destroyed and except the timing of Muslims prayers, they can play their bugles any time. They will also not be stopped while moving with Cross on their festivals.”

?a?rat Ab? Bakr ?idd?q (R.A) was so caring about the worshipping places of non-Muslims. When he sent army towards Syria, including categorized instructions it is said: 

“Monks and Friars should not be disturbed and the worshipping place also not be destroyed.”

Pluralism and ?a?rat Umar F?r?q (R.A)

Same in the period of ‘Umar F?r?q (R.A) in pact with Ehl-e-El?y?, there are clear instructions to take care of Christians’ identity (the cross).

In fact at that time, there was a complete freedom for Christians as well as other religion followers. They had complete freedom to follow their religious practices and full care of their religious feelings. Another incident of 2nd caliph ‘Umar bin Kha???b (R.A) is found in the books of history: 

“An old man of Rome entered into the city who desired to sale out his horse. At custom post of custom inspector asked him to sell his horse before entering the post, so he could not pay the custom charges. That Christian demanded twenty thousand but inspector offered him eighteen thousand rupees. The Christian refused and after paying the custom duty entered into the city. By chance the horse was not sold out, when he went to exit the custom inspector again demanded the duty. In place of paying off the duty the Christian went straight to 2nd Caliph. The Caliph was in mosque so this Christian didn’t enter into the mosque. He received a word as a message “Kafieta” at the time he didn’t know the meaning of that word. He turned disappointed and went back to the post but when he reached at the post he came to know that the caliph had sent the decision that should not take anything from this Christian. Such a quick response is matchless.

The examples of care for humanity and tolerance in the time of peace were extra ordinary. Same in war situations at the time of overcoming and dealings with war prisoners, behavior of Venerable Companions was matchless.

Many deeds and pacts were formed at the time of ‘Umar F?r?q (R.A) because in his period, the area of Isl?mic state was quite vast. In these pacts they were dealt with kindness and took special care of their rights. For example in history the pact with ?dherb?’?j?n is described in the following words:

“In this region every kind of land plains or hilly area, valleys or the honors of Fountains the things will remain with the same possessors. Their life and belongings, religion or conditions remain secured except the payment as a tax with their own free will. The tax would not be implemented on kids, ladies and aged peoples.”

Allah Almighty has not deprived any one to follow the book of success for eternal success and has equally given the chance to everyone to grasp the success by following the book. Anyone who wants to get benefited should follow the guideline of the Prophet Mu?ammad (PBUH) and if someone doesn’t follow there is no oppression for him. In other words all the human beings (followers of all the religions) have not only complete religious freedom rather they are free to follow their own religions. This is the school of thought that 2nd caliph ‘Umar F?r?q (R.A) used to offer his slave Assaq to embrace Isl?m (he was Christian) but he refused. He (R.A) used to say that is open choice there is no repression in Isl?m. And before some days of his martyrdom, Ha?rat ‘Umar got him free and said to him, go away about your will. 

In Isl?m after preaching and elaborating the message of the religion, there is no forcing to embrace. This is the Isl?mic well-wishing that they launch their optimizing programmed but could not force or intrude and the whole history approves it.

In Q?dsiyah, an Iranian after getting arrested became Muslim. When uprightness, compassion and Faithfulness he spoke improvisational that till Muslims have these attributes they will not be defeated. Now I have no interest with Ir?nians.

Non-Muslims used to embrace Isl?m by getting impressed the nations. European propaganda that Isl?m was established on the strength of sword looks meaningless after reading these incidents. 

When the Venerable Companions got incumbency and powers of military, politics and they established huge governments in east and West. Even at that they affectionate tolerance and the examples of leaving & overlooking and religious expansions set by Muslims are matchless such an example doesn’t find in the times of Jews and Christians. In fact the history is full with horror and terror made by other religions. Venerable Companions conquered many regions but never forced those to embrace Isl?m rather gave them freedom to follow their own religion. Isl?m spread richly in Egypt and Africa. In the period of ?a?rat ‘Umar (R.A):

“When ‘Amr Bin Al- ‘?? (R.A) took the people from the different villages and after enslaving, sold them into Arab, they were scattered into Arab. Then ?a?rat ‘Umar (R.A) called them back from every area of the country either they adopted Isl?m or not and sent them back to Egypt. He (R.A) write: it depend on them whether they accept Isl?m or not.”

The given incidents have proved that over the span of the history the Venerable Companions having victories and military dominates never forced any dominoes or nations to embrace Isl?m rather gave them complete freedom to embrace any religion. Its story witnesses that many dominoes didn’t leave their religion them full protection and homage to worshipping places. They got equal rights like Muslims and European think tank confessed the tolerance and justice:

“Arabs behaved same with the people of Andalusia as they did with Syria and Egypt. Their possessions, their churches and their laws were given to them and gave them right to get justice from their own nation followers.”

Further Describes

“In the times of Arab Government churches were built in abundance, this is the proof of argument that how much they valued others religions.”

Even in Isl?mic states, Venerable Companions used to give respect and security to the false gods (idols). When ‘Amr Bin Al-‘?? (R.A) was governor of Egypt, a Muslim soldier broke a non-Muslim’s idols eye. Non-Muslim person filed the case. The case was presented front of the governor. He (R.A) gave the decision to break the eye of the person who broke the eye of Qib??’s idol. At this decision of ‘Amar bin Al-‘?? that Qib?? was stunned because he could expect a decision like this at any cost. Muslim soldier requested Qib?? that what should he get in breaking his eye. It’s better to have penalty, after a very long conversation he accepted the penalty and soldier’s eye was survived.

 An Englishman describes about the time when they conquered Jerusalem the pact which they made: 

“The non-Muslim public of Jerusalem is guaranteed by conquer that their lives and possessions, families and worshipping places, holy cross and their every belonging are secured. There will be no interference in their lands and religions. Neither their ecclesiasts will be destroyed nor any kind of harm.”

Same at the conquest of Bayt al-Muqaddas, the pact was written between ?a?rat ‘Umar F?r?q (R.A) and them, in that pact the protection of creed and their slogans are mentioned:

“The safety has been provided to their life & belongings, their churches and holy crosses their churches will not be the habitation of Muslims and not to be destroyed, neither their properties nor the buildings will be destroyed.”

Muslims always considered their religious duty to respect the religious emotions of non-Muslims and safety of their worshipping places in Isl?mic state. In Isl?mic state, the tambour workers not only used to get the safety of their religious rights but received every kind of services and other favors. Even in the value of capitation, they received tangible relaxations. Already there was no capitation on children, ladies and aged peoples. Not only these people were exempted from capitation but also if there is any needy. They apologized without paying anything.

Am?r al-Mo’min?n ‘Umar F?r?q (R.A) on the visit of Syria see that few peoples were standing in sunshine and on their heads olive oil was being poured. At asking, he comes to know that they are the people who didn’t pay capitation-tax. He (R.A) said: What excuse these people are presenting. Have they nothing? “Don’t put such burden on them that they couldn’t endure, I have heard from Prophet Mu?ammad (PBUH) that don’t torment any human being. Anyone who torments a person, at the Day of Judgment Allah Almighty would do the same with doers.

?a?rat ‘Umar F?r?q (R.A) was so careful about the rights of non-Muslims that at the time of his death, even he was badly injured and unable to breath properly, even at that time he be quested:

“I request to the coming caliph on the behalf of Ras?l Allah (PBUH) that take care of the rights of non-Muslims. Even if there is war in their favor they will be favored. They shouldn’t be burdened more than their tolerance.”

Pluralism in the Period of ?a?rat ‘Uthm?n (R.A) and ?a?rat ‘Al? (R.A)

?a?rat ‘Uthm?n (R.A) and ?a?rat ‘Al? (R.A) both, acted upon the line of action of their mentor caliph ?a?rat ‘Umar F?r?q (R.A). The Kindness and generosity of ?a?rat ‘Uthm?n (R.A) is popular throughout the world. He was kind and generous to all without the discrimination of religion. He (R.A) not only followed the directions of the previous caliphs rather made the people of his time to follow the guidelines. He advised his governors to condescension for the followers of other religions. ?abar? has described about ?a?rat ‘Uthm?n’s tolerance and cane of the subject after caliph ship he described: 

“Allah Almighty has given the order to the rules that they should guard the subject, not only become the receivers of tax.”

He (R.A) used to keep very tolerating behavior with non-Muslim subject. This is the reason that non-Muslims never did revolt in wars.

This is the righteous behavior of ?a?rat ‘Uthm?n (R.A) and previous caliphs that remained loyal. They neither launched any revolt against ?a?rat ‘Uthm?n (R.A) nor participated in any revolt. 

?a?rat ‘Al? (R.A) also followed the same practices of ?a?rat ‘Uthm?n (R.A) and maintained the traditions with non-Muslims. Though at the time of ?a?rat ‘Al? (R.A) there were many issues and wars at the same time but the rights of ehl-e-dhimah were never compromised. During the ominous time of ?a?rat ‘Al? (R.A), the tolerance was fully kept in consideration and never intensified the non-Muslim subject. He (R.A) used to Ceriman:

“The people whom; we have taken the responsibility of their lives, belongings, respect and regard. Their blood is our blood and the value of their blood is equal to the blood of ours.”

His (R.A) state of tolerance was that: 

“He took care of the economy of non-Muslim subject, once non-Muslim’s canal of irrigation was filed then he (R.A) wrote to the oppressor. Non-Muslims have described about the canal of irrigation in your jurisdiction which is filled with soil means buried with soil. This is the security of Muslims well-to-do to take care and try to restore.”

Once a group of Khaw?rij got momentum and endangered the existence of Isl?mic state. On the power of sword ready to wild work then he (R.A) gave the message to them which was duly offered with freedom of religion and to stop the riot, said as:

“Wherever you want to live, it is a deal between us that you will not adopt blood-shedding and robbery, avoid tyranny and if you commuted anyone of them then I’ll announce an open war against you, ‘Abd Allah bin Shadd?d said: By God, they were not murdered till the time they did robberies and illegal murders.”

The period of Khulaf?’ al-R?shid?n is a daylight example of pluralism, for peace lovers and society with tolerance, where every man of the society spent free life of complete economic, political and religious freedom. The Venerable Companions were the followers of this thought which gave the slogan of freedom. Love to humanity and human being got freedom from the slavery of human being. This all struggle of Venerable Companions was not for the sake of power and authority rather just for Allah’s blessings and grace. Venerable Companions themselves were the embodiment of God’s fear. They were so much careful that rights of human being will be highly noticed by Allah Almighty. Temporary benefits were sacrificed for collective benefits.

In fact, Venerable Companions believed in general social characterization. They keep on importance of respect regard and importance of humanity. A human being, as a Muslim, as a social person and citizen, as a ruler, as a commander, as a soldier, as a judge, as a merchant or as a scholar, the Venerable Companions laid the foundation of life on two rules. First means worshipping of God and human friendship, but the identity of God worshipping laid on human friendship. Though human friendship and best morals wherever they went, they were warranty welcomed by oppressed people and accepted their thought and program. Accompanied them, the history is full with such examples that non-Muslims embraced Isl?m on the basis of righteous and fair behavior and human friendship. Venerable Companions were the symbol of tolerance and pluralism.

Non-Muslim Thinkers and Venerable Companions



If any harm reached to the worshipping places of any religion then the Muslims prevention it as the grand mosque Ban?-Umayyah was built, it was considered the wonders of this world. There was a church adjacent to the mosque. Caliph ‘Abd al-Malik offered a large amount to merge the church into the mosque but Christians refused. Later on caliph’s son Wal?d bin ‘Abd al-Malik also tried but they didn’t agree. Wal?d threaten them that if they are not agreed than any other way will be adopted. In these situations, Christians started propaganda against him. So he demolished that church and extended the mosque on that place. Later on ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Az?z tried to demolish that area of the church but Muslims felt the anarchy, fight and disorder but he didn’t agree at any cost. Finally he sent a delegation of Muslims to the Christians. After reconciliation they wrote the agreement, then ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Az?z accepted happily and passed on decision. It is said that Muslims returned all the disputed churches and paid off the price of that place.

A same incident occurred in the time of Ban? ‘Abb?s that was also resolved immediately. E. Brown wrote that: 

“In the time of caliph H?d?, in Egypt the Mariyam church was partially damaged. The governor of Egypt Musa asked the solution from the Isl?mic scholars. Layth bin Sa‘d the head scholar passed the Fatw? that the church should be rebuilt and all the expenses should be borne by the government.”

A Christian poet presented these qualities of Isl?m in appreciation that: only Muslims are a nation in this universe where every religion gets complete freedom.

This is the reason that Muslims provided the complete safety and security to the churches and never gave any harm. It’s proved with the statement of General Geof III (General of Christian Army) describes Muslims line of action in a letter to president Bishop Rifard Shir in these words: 

“(whatever you did with them) they (Muslims even that) don’t launch any war against Christian religion rather they are kind with our religion. They regard our Christians and Chrismis; they also provide funds to our churches.”

This rich behavior of Muslims was also appreciated by famous Western thinker Gastal Libon in these words: 

“The rich behavior and tolerance of Mu?ammad (PBUH) with Jews and Christians was matchless and there is no comparison with the representatives of Judaism. And after the Prophet (PBUH), the caliphs also did the same practice and followed his footsteps.”

Although, the orientates and European historians never left any chance to oppose Isl?m but the history of Muslims tolerance is as rich that despite all they could not refuse to accept. They accepted the rich behavior of Isl?m. 

Conclusion

The righteous character of Venerable Companions is as unique that there is no other religion or any other followers, where we can find so clear and best characters. So it is a need to accept the fact and study the righteous and tolerating biography of venerable companions. Through considering the biography of Venerable Companions as a guiding star to remove the intolerance and class structure and in those teachings a human friendship and righteous society should be established which should be based on love, peace and delight. Venerable Companions dealt with tolerance through their unique dealings transactions, and social relationship with non-Muslims. They possessed with finest ethics, they gave respect to the religious emotions and feelings. The respect for worshipping places of non-Muslims kept in consideration every time. In collective issues when they appeared as leaders, commanders or governors they followed according to the Isl?mic education and kept the spirit of religious tolerance alive. In every condition, they took care of the rights of non-Muslims their lives, self-respect, belongings and safety of their worshipping places. Due to such dealings history witnesses that because of fair dealings of Venerable Companions a lot of non-Muslims embraced Isl?m. They welcomed Isl?mic armies in their countries where their own religion was a symbol of cruelty.

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