Page 212 - Islam Denounces Terrorism

210 Islam Denounces Terrorism

tution of Medina, the foundation of the respect that Mus-
lims have for the Jews' traditions and beliefs was laid in
the time of our Prophet (pbuh). Articles 26-33 of the same

constitution state that members of the People of the
Book enjoy the same rights as Muslims, while article 16
states that no injustice is to be inflicted on them.

• In the year 630 A.D., our Prophet (pbuh) issued the fol-
lowing command to envoys of the King of Himyar who
came to Medina to announce that they had become Mus-
lims: "If a Jew or Christian becomes a Muslim, he
becomes equal to believers [enjoys the same legal rights

with Muslims]. Whoever wants to remain as a Jew or
Christian, he is not interfered." (Ibn Hisham, as-Seera, II,
586)

• The Christians of Najran sent a delegation of 60 mem-
bers to Medina. When the delegation arrived at Medina
they entered the presence of our Prophet (pbuh), and

when the time for prayer came they desired to visit the
mosque. The people objected to this, but the Prophet
(pbuh) made the mosque available for them. They turned
to the East and prayed. (Ibn Hisham, as-Seera, Beirut, I,
573-574; Hamidullah, The Prophet of Islam, I, 619-620.)

• The rights of the People of the Book were placed under
protection in the time of the Prophet (pbuh) under

treaties made with Jews and Christians. Whenever a dis-
agreement arose in later times, the People of the Book
would point to these treaties. For example, when the
Christians of Damishq had a problem, they showed their