Minorities in an Islamic State — Page 21
21 basic necessities of the Dhimm i citizens. This, for instance, is an extract from the agreement with the citizens of Hi rah: "The Dhimm i who is old or is disabled in some accident or is otherwise unable to work or one who is rich but falls destitute, he and his dependents, will not only be exempted from all taxes, but will also be paid subsistence allowance from the government treasury". 25 Similarly it was laid down that if a Dhimm i fell into the hands of an enemy and his release depended on ransom, the money would be paid by the Muslim government. 26 History bears out how this principle was followed by the Muslim governments. To quote only one instance: Hadrat ‘ Umar ra once came across an aged Dhimm i in rather a sad plight. On seeing the poor condition of the old Dhimm i , Hadrat ‘ Umar ra exclaimed: "By God! It is not just that in his youth we may benefit from his youth and leave him to suffer in his old age". He ordered that the old Dhimm i be given a pension till his death. Moreover he directed the governors that the poor and deserving among the