اسلامی ریاست میں اقلیتوں کی ذمہ داریاں اور ان پر اٹھنے والے اعتراضات: ایک علمی و تنقیدی جائزہ

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF MINORITIES IN AN ISLAMIC STATE AND THE OBJECTIONS RAISED AGAINST THEM: AN ACADEMIC AND CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Islam is a universal religion that presents a comprehensive socio-political system based on the principles of justice, tolerance, and human rights. Within this system, human dignity and respect are considered fundamental, regardless of an individual’s religion, race, or ethnicity. The establishment of an Islamic state is essentially a practical expression of these principles, where not only are the rights of Muslims protected, but non-Muslim minorities are also ensured full protection of their religious, social, and civic rights.Historically, non-Muslim minorities in Islamic states were granted the status of Dhimmis, which guaranteed them freedom in matters of life, property, religion, worship, places of worship, cultural traditions, and economic dealings. As part of the broader Islamic society, these minorities were also entrusted with certain responsibilities considered essential for the maintenance of state order and societal harmony—such as the payment of Jizyah (a protection tax), loyalty to the state, and other basic civic duties.In the modern era, however, various objections have been raised regarding the concept of the Islamic state, particularly concerning the rights and responsibilities of minorities. Critics argue that minorities in an Islamic state are subjected to discriminatory treatment, are not considered equal citizens, and are bound by certain restrictions that contradict their religious and social freedoms. These criticisms are often rooted either in Western secular perspectives or in the critical interpretations of certain Muslim intellectuals.This article seeks to identify the responsibilities assigned to minorities within an Islamic state and to provide an academic and critical analysis of the objections raised against them. In doing so, it will draw upon the Qur’an and Sunnah, classical jurisprudential sources, Islamic history, and contemporary scholarly discourse to present a fair and well-reasoned perspective. The objective of this review is not only to defend the Islamic viewpoint but also to highlight the true spirit of justice upon which the Islamic system is founded.