The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 560
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 560 and not to commit an action which is against the spirit or wording of these covenants and agreements. The fulfillment of covenants in Islām has been ordered so strictly that Allāh the Exalted states that if a Muslim nation is engaged in an agreement with a non-Muslim nation, and then, another Muslim nation calls upon the Muslim nation for support against the one which is non-Muslim, the Muslim nation should not give them aid at all. Instead, the Muslim nation should remain firm upon its covenant. Hence, Allāh states: “As for those who have become Muslim but have not migrated to join the Islāmic state, you are not responsible for their protection, until they migrate and join you. But if they seek your help in the matter of religion, then it is your duty to help them. However, if they seek your aid against a non-Muslim nation between whom and yourselves there is a treaty, then do not assist them at all, and remain firm upon your covenant in any case; and know that Allāh the Exalted watches over your actions. ” 1 Could there be a greater teaching with regards to the fulfillment of covenants, and equity and justice? As regards to non-Muslim citizens, the Holy Prophet sa states: ِ مَن ْ قَتَل َ مُعَاھِدًا لَم ْ یَرِح ْ رَائِحَة َ الْجَنَّة “A Muslim who is guilty of killing a covenanting non-Muslim, who has entered the Muslim state by way of a treaty (either textual or by way of action), shall (in addition to receiving a worldly punishment) not even perceive the breeze of paradise on the day of resurrection. ” 2 1 Al-Anfāl (8:73) 2 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābul-Jizyah, Bābu Ithmi Man Qatala Mu‘āhidan Bi-Ghairi Jurmin, Ḥadīth No. 3166