Minorities in an Islamic State — Page 17
17 After hearing the two parties and finding the Jew was in the right he decided in his favour. At this the Jew exclaimed: "By God! You have judged rightly". 21 Islamic history is full of examples of a similar kind. The judiciary was absolutely independent and the judges used to give their verdict without any fear or favour. Even the head of the state could be summoned to the court and satisfy the demands of justice as an ordinary citizen. Little wonder therefore if the non-Muslim prospered under the Muslim rule and were immune from inroads against their fundamental rights, conscience, life and property. Treatment of Dhimm i s by the Muslims: Before the advent of Islam, the Persian and the Roman empires exercised great influence over the Arabian Peninsula. With the establishment of a strong Muslim government of the Country their influence was bound to decrease. Fearing this, they decided to attack the Muslims and began preparations for the invasion. In these circumstances the Muslims were compelled to take up arms to defend themselves against aggression and advanced against the territories held by the Persians and the Romans. Those were the dark days of religious and ideological persecution. The poor people of these