Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib

Treatment of the Dhimmis

Dhimmis are those Jews, Christians and Magians of the Islamic state who pay Jizyah according to the agreement with them and in return, the State takes the responsibility of protecting their lives and properties. They will have all the economic freedoms but they will be prohibited from fighting with the Muslims or causing them harm in any way. About these Dimmis, Amir al-Mu’minin’s attitude was that of kindness. He defined their economic and cultural rights and did not have any narrow-minded attitude towards them. He gave them total freedom to follow their religious rites. He neither belittled them on account of subscribing to a different faith nor did he tolerate any oppression against them from any quarter. He also instructed his functionaries to keep in mind their rights and not deprive them of any thing that was rightfully theirs. Therefore, in the document that he wrote to Malik al-Ashtar, he said:

“Do not become a wild beast against them that you think of swallowing them. Among the subjects, there are two types of persons: one is your brothers in Faith and the other is creatures of Allah who look like you!”

It is evident from what the Imam (a.s) said here that he used to keep all men, on account of being men, at the same level. He gave as much importance to the relationship of humanity that he gave to religious unity. Therefore, on account of difference in faith and belief, he never deprived any one of his rights nor did he ever express hate for anyone subscribing to another faith. Because of this attitude, the Dhimmis always remained faithful with him. Ibn Abil-Hadid writes:

“What should I write about the person who the Dhimmis liked as much as their own lives although they used to belittle the prophethood (of the Holy Prophet)?”[1]

[1] The introduction of Ibn Abil-Hadīd’s Sharh Nahj al-Balāghah, Page 7

Once Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) was traveling to al-Kūfah. On the way, a Dhimmi joined him on the journey. He asked the Imam (a.s) where he was heading to. The Imam (a.s) told him that he was going to al-Kūfah. After traveling for sometime, the Dhimmi wanted to take a diversion to go towards his destination. The Imam (a.s) too accompanied him. The Dhimmi said, “This way does not go to al-Kūfah, your destination.” The Imam (a.s) replied, “I know! But good manners demand that I come with you some distance before I go my way! Our Prophet (a.s) has taught us these manners!” The man said, “It is an excellent Faith that gives such good lessons and I shall now come with you to al-Kūfah.” Therefore he went with the Imam (a.s) to al-Kūfah and when he learned that he was traveling with Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) he embraced Islam.