Islam & Europe - Peace, Identity & Integration — Page 51
ISLAM – SAFEGUARDING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS 51 pressured into accepting Islam or abandoning their traditions and beliefs. At every moment of his life, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sought peace and promoted inter-faith dialogue, mutual understanding and respect between the people of different communities. For example, after migrating to Madinah, he formed a treaty with the Jewish community and together they formed a system of government in which the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was mutually chosen as the head of state. According to the terms of the covenant, the Muslims and the Jews pledged to cooperate and to be faithful citizens of the state. The treaty guaranteed the right of every individual to practice their religion and customs without fear of persecution or sanction. Never once did the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) deviate from the terms of the covenant. On the other hand, there were some instances when the non- Muslims violated the treaty and they were sanctioned according to the pre-existing terms. Islam has never permitted its followers to spread their faith through the use of force and nor does it permit Muslim governments or leaders to claim that only Muslims are permitted to live in their society. As I have mentioned, under the terms of the Treaty of Madinah, all people were free to practice their traditions and beliefs. That society was bound together by one overriding principle, that irrespective of their religious beliefs, all members of society were duty-bound to be loyal citizens of the state and