The rights of minorities in Islam are clear: a minority living under Muslim rule is promised protection by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. This article explains the rights of minorities in Islam from the Qur’an, authentic Hadith and the example of the Prophet ﷺ, and it notes where scholars differ. Sources are linked so you can read them yourself.
1. Human dignity belongs to everyone
Allah says: “We have certainly honoured the children of Adam” (Qur’an 17:70). The dignity of a person does not depend on religion or tribe, and Qur’an 49:13 reminds all people that they were created from a male and a female and made into nations so that they may know one another.
2. Protection of life and property
The Prophet ﷺ warned: “Whoever kills a person under a covenant will not smell the fragrance of Paradise” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3166), and he said that he himself would be the opponent of anyone who wrongs such a person (Sunan Abi Dawud 3052). Before his death, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab ؓ gave this instruction to his successor: to take care of those under the protection of Allah and His Messenger, to fulfil their covenant and to defend them (Sahih al-Bukhari 3162).
3. Freedom to follow their religion
Allah says: “There is no compulsion in religion” (Qur’an 2:256). The Qur’an also names monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques as places in which Allah’s name is mentioned much, and says that Allah repels some people by means of others to protect them (Qur’an 22:40).
4. Justice in courts and dealings
Allah commands: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and, when you judge between people, to judge with justice” (Qur’an 4:58). The verse speaks of people in general, so a minority member has the same right to a fair trial. Believers are also told to cooperate in righteousness and piety but not in sin and aggression (Qur’an 5:2).
5. No unjust treatment
Hisham ibn Hakim ؓ passed by people in Syria who were being made to stand in the sun as punishment for not paying the tax, and he said that he had heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: “Allah will punish those who punish people in this world” (Sahih Muslim 2613).
The Prophet’s agreement in Madinah
Historians record that after the Hijrah the Prophet ﷺ made a written agreement among the Muslims, the Jewish tribes and other groups of Madinah that guaranteed mutual defence and religious freedom. It is reported in the early biographies (Ibn Hisham, from Ibn Ishaq), and scholars differ about the strength of its chains, but its general meaning matches the Qur’anic teachings above.
Where Scholars Differ on Rights of Minorities in Islam
Scholars agree on the protection of life, honour and property of minorities. They differ in some legal details: the amount of blood money (the Hanafis equate it to that of a Muslim, the Malikis and Hanbalis say half, and the Shafi’is say one third), the rules for building new places of worship, and whether the traditional jizya applies in modern states where all citizens share military and financial duties. Many contemporary scholars say that equal citizenship under a just constitution fulfils the purpose of these rulings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rights of Minorities in Islam
What is the Prophet’s warning about wronging a minority?
He ﷺ said that he would be the opponent on the Day of Resurrection of anyone who wrongs a person under covenant (Sunan Abi Dawud 3052).
Can minorities keep their own places of worship?
Qur’an 22:40 speaks of their protection. Scholars differ on new construction, but all agree that they may not be attacked or destroyed unjustly.
Is forcing conversion allowed?
No. See Qur’an 2:256.
Conclusion
Studying rights of minorities in Islam from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith helps us to follow the guidance of Allah in our own lives. We hope this article on rights of minorities in Islam has been useful. For related topics, read Rights of Non-Muslims in Islam and Basic Human Rights in Islam.
