Islam and the Freedom of Conscience — Page 57
~ 57 ~ ruler of all factions in his capacity as the King and people of all religions brought their matters to him for judgment. It is proven from the Holy Quran that once a matter between a Muslim and a Jew was brought to the court of the Prophet sa for judgment. After investigations the Holy Prophet sa deemed the Jew rightful and decreed against the claim the Muslims had made. Thus, some unwise opponents who do not read the Holy Quran attentively, consider every aspect under the sphere of prophethood of the Holy Prophet sa , while punishments such as these were given under the auspices of Khilafat. That is, it is an obligation of a government. He as goes on to state: After Hadrat M u s a as , the Israelites had separate Prophets and Kings. The Kings kept peace and order through the political process. However, at the time of the Holy Prophet sa , both these offices were granted by God to the Prophet sa. Excluding the criminals, how the rest were treated is quite clear from the following verse: