Minorities in an Islamic State — Page 26
26 Successors shows clearly that under the law, civil and criminal, all are equal and must be treated alike, irrespective of their religious or social status. Once during the days of the Holy Prophet sa , a Muslim murdered a Dhimm i. The case was brought before the Holy Prophet sa for trial. The Holy Prophet sa decided that the Muslim being guilty of murdering another human being must be put to death. He further declared: َّ َّ ا ن َّ ا َّ ا ح َّق ْ م َّن ْ ا و ِ ِفم ِب َّ ذ ِ م ت ہ "To protect the rights of Dhimm i s is my most important duty". 33 Similarly, once a Muslim who had murdered a Dhimm i , was brought before Hadrat ‘ Al i ra. It was found that the accused was guilty. Accordingly, ‘ Al i se n ten ced him to death. The relations of the culprit persuaded the heirs of the victim to pardon the crime on payment of blood money. When Hadrat ‘ Al i ra came to know of this he sent for the brother of the d e- ceased and said: "Perhaps these people have tried to secure your consent under duress". He replied: "No I did it out of my own free will without any pressure. As putting the murderer to death