Sermon at Jamia mosque recalls glorious Islamic tradition of protecting non Muslims’ rights 

Spokesman Report

ISLAMABAD: The Friday sermon aired live from the Jamia mosque of the Presidency stressed that an Islamic state was the guarantor of the safety of non-Muslim citizen by ensuring protection of their life and property.

With President Dr Arif Alvi in attendance, Qari Ikram ul Haq in his sermon on the topic ‘Islam and the tradition of respect of law’ highlighted that the teachings of Quran and Hadith addressed the humanity at large and not the Muslims alone.

He mentioned that non-Muslim citizens had equal rights and obligations in an Islamic state and if a non-Muslim suffered a loss of life or property at the hands of a Muslim, the latter was supposed to be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He quoted a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) as saying that “Whoever killed a Mu’ahid (a person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims) shall not smell the fragrance of paradise, though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of traveling).”

It was highlighted that in line with safeguarding the rights of non-Muslims, Islam even gave them liberal concessions in practices, which are forbidden to Muslims.

For example, the consumption of liquor is forbidden to Muslims but the non-Muslims have the liberty on its consumption and sale. No one has the right to destroy the possession, which a non-Muslim considers his or her property.

The sermon also gave reference to several incidents of history where the Muslim rulers protected the lives of Christian citizens after their conquest.

On the occasion, prayers for the development and prosperity of the country and the nation were also offered.

This was the 12th consecutive Friday where the prayers and the sermon were shown live from the Presidency on national television.

The initiative of President Alvi is in line with his vision to use the platform of the Friday sermon to bring about a positive change in the mindset of society.

A number of topics have been lined-up for the sermons in consultation with Islamic scholars as a source of guidance for the general public regarding the correct message of Islam.