Minorities in an Islamic State — Page 25
25 have not fought against you on account of your religion, and who have not driven you from your homes, that you be kind to them and act equitably towards them; surely Allah loves those who are equitable. (60:9) "Therefore if your interpretation of the verse quoted by you were true, it would have been obligatory upon us to kill all the R a j a s and non- Muslim subjects of India. The fact, however, is that the verse absolutely does not mean what you say. The offices of state are open to all, on the basis of ability and competence, irrespective of caste or creed. As far as religion is concerned, we should follow the Divine word: ََِِّّل لَّكم ْ دِینكم ْ و ِ دِین. i. e. ' F or you your religion and for me mine'. " (109:7) 32 Equality Before Law: The status of Muslims and Dhimm i s was equal in the eyes of law. No distinction was ever made between a Dhimm i citizen or a Muslim in a judicial inquiry. No one can show a single instance of favouring a Muslim against a Dhimm i. They were treated alike and were given equal opportunities to defend themselves in case of a trial. It is a matter of record that a Muslim guilty of any offence against a Dhimm i never went unpunished. In short we see that the example of the Holy Prophet sa and his pious