Relations with non-Muslims - Teachings of the Prophet of Mercy(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 Being gentle with non-Muslims

Islam has stressed gentle and affectionate treatment of everyone.  This command of gentleness is not only for mutual relations between Muslims but also for relations with non-Muslims.  There are numerous examples of this in the lives of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  ‘Allama Ibn Qayyim Al Jauzi has recorded a narration in “Al Ahkaam Ahli Dhimma”

رجل من آل أبي المهاجر قال استعمل علي بن أبي طالب رجلا على عكبراء… لا تبيعن لهم في خراجهم حمارا ولا بقرة ولا كسوة شتاء ولا صيف وارفق بهم وافعل بهم وافعل بهم

Translation: One of the family members of Hadhrat Abu Muhajir narrates:  Hadhrat ‘Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) sent a person as a tax-collector to a place called “’Ukbara”………….. He advised him in these words:  You should never sell off their donkeys, cows and their seasonal clothes to collect tax.  Be gentle with them.  Treat them nicely in such and such a manner.[1]