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someone chose to believe in a religion described as heretical in the
Qur’an, he has the right to a peaceful and safe life on Islamic soil where
he can freely practice his belief. Allah commanded the Prophet (may

Allah bless him and grant him peace) as follows:
“I do not worship what you worship and you do not worship what
I worship. Nor will I worship what you worship nor will you wor-
ship what I worship. You have your religion and I have my reli-
gion.” (Surat al-Kafirun: 2-6)

If we examine Islamic history we see a social model in which
everyone freely practiced their religion. The Qur’an speaks of the
monasteries, churches and synagogues of the People of the Book as
places of worship protected by Allah:
… If Allah had not driven some people back by means of others,
monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, where Allah’s
name is mentioned much, would have been pulled down and de-
stroyed. Allah will certainly help those who help Him – Allah is
All-Strong, Almighty, (Surat al-Hajj: 40)
Our Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) life is
full of examples for us to go by. Our Prophet (may Allah bless him
and grant him peace) even opened up his own place of wor-
ship for the Christians’ use who visited to speak with
him. 167 This affectionate attitude continued during the
reign of successive Caliphs. When Damascus was sacked, a
church converted into a mosque was divided into two sections, one for
Muslim worship, and the other for Christian. 168 As we have seen in the
previous chapters of the book, Muslim nations ruled Indian lands
and delivered justice, peace, security and prosperity. The count-

less historic buildings, mosques and palaces
across India bear testimony to the glory of
Islamic civilization.