Page 312 - A Call for a Turkish-Islamic Union

A CALL FOR A TURKISH-ISLAMIC UNION

jority of historians recognize the fact that the dhimmis lived under

a compassionate and just system. The renowned historian Bernard
Lewis states:
But by and large their [dhimmi's] position was infinitely supe-
rior to that of those communities who differed from the estab-
lished church in western Europe in the same period. They en-
joyed the free exercise of their religion. … 40
Our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)

said: "On the Day of Judgment I will dispute with anyone who
oppresses a person from among the People of the Covenant [i.e.,
a Dhimmi], or infringes on his right, or puts a responsibility on
him which is beyond his strength, or takes something from him
41
against his will," thereby describing the correct attitude toward
dhimmis. In line with this morality, Muslims considered it one of

their important responsibilities to protect the non-Muslims
under their authority. During a war with the Byzantine army,
our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ordered
that the tax collected from non-Muslims be returned, for the
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Muslim army was unable to protect them. This is the type of
morality that he taught Muslims. Another good example of com-

passion and consideration is Umar's words to an old dhimmi
woman: "By Allah, we would not be fair if we take from him

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