sacred. The Muslims are enjoined to protect the rights of the non-
Muslims with the same zeal that they show in safeguarding the
interests of the Muslims. It is noteworthy that the Islamic Social
Order seeks to provide the non-Muslims with all the means they
need for development. It is as much concerned with the welfare and
wellbeing of the non-Muslims as it is with that of the Muslims. They
(the Muslims) say:
We feed you for the sake of Allah (i.e., as a duty which Allah has laid on
us). We wish for no reward nor thanks from you (76:9).
An allegation is often made to the effect that discrimination is
made by an Islamic State between Muslims and non-Muslims living
within its domain by requiring the latter to pay a special tax, called
Jizyah. This is utterly wrong and based on a grave misunderstanding
of the correct position. When the first Islamic State was established
by Muhammad (PBUH), some smaller non-Muslim states were, as a
result of their rebellious attitude, subjugated, but, instead of
occupying their territory, they were granted full autonomy and were
assured of complete protection against outside aggression, As a
token of their allegiance to the Islamic State, and in return for the
military protection afforded to them, they paid a nominal tribute
called Jizyah. This word occurs in the Qur'an only once (in 9:29) and,
according to Lane's Lexicon, means "a compensation for the
protection afforded." There are cases on record in history in which
the Islamic State returned the amount of Jizyah when it was unable
to afford protection to the non-Muslim state concerned.
Islam endeavoured to promote mutual understanding and co-
operation between Muslims and non-Muslims. Its aim was to build a
classless, unified society based on permanent values. Says the
Qur'an:
Help one another in birr and taqwa and help not one another in ithm and
'udwan (5:2).
The Islamic State, therefore, strongly advocates international co-
operation in all undertakings that are likely to promote the welfare
of mankind.
VII. SectarianismBecause of its preoccupation with the unity of mankind, thePolitical System 240