Muhammad (saw) – The Perfect Man — Page 742
CHAPTER 30 Standard Bearer of Religious Tolerance and Freedom of Conscience 742 greater than those of the non-Muslims under an Islamic government. The Muslims have the obligation of Jih a d and it is incumbent on them to join in if the war breaks out while it is not obligatory on the non-Muslims subjects. It is mandatory for the Muslims to give one tenth of their produce to the government, while the non- Muslims have no such obligation. For the Muslims, Zak a t and one tenth of the produce is prescribed to be given to the authorities while the non-Muslims pay a small amount as capitation tax which releases them from military duties. Islam does not preach any distinction between the Muslims and the non-Muslims in respect of freedom. As a principle it advocates the freedom of the slaves. At the time of the Battle of H unain, the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa set forth the practical example of this by freeing thousands of non-Muslims slaves. Kind Treatment of Idolaters of Makkah Idolaters of Makkah forced the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa into exile and did not leave him in peace even in Mad i nah. Even then the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa treated them kindly. A fierce famine engulfed Makkah after the migration of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa. People started to eat bones and carrion. In desperation Ab u Sufy a n came and requested H u du r sa "O Mu h ammad, you enjoin