Through Force or Faith? — Page 210
?— A Reply to Pope Benedict XVI 210 Difference in the Treatment of People of the Book and Idolaters Several important and fundamental tenants are common between People of the Book and Muslims. For example, the Unity of God is the first and the most important article of faith in Islam and the People of the Book also subscribe to it. Similarly, belief in all the prophets of the People of the Book and in their revealed books is part of the faith of Muslims. Therefore, quite naturally, People of the Book are closer to Muslims because of these shared values, whereas Muslims and idolaters, religiously speaking, have nothing in common. Therefore, more favourable treatment of People of the Book is not due to any bias but is on the basis of merit. This objection is as unreasonable as someone saying that one sees his relatives more frequently and does not have the same degree of social contact with strangers. Man is a social animal and relations, whether they are physical or religious or spiritual, have a special significance in every society. In Islam, regard and respect of rela- tionships has a special place among the obligations to humans. It is important to emphasize here that the differential treat- ment of the People of the Book and idolaters in their relation- ship with Muslims is only to the extent to which their religion obligates Muslims. Otherwise, everyone, be a Muslim or be from People of the Book or be an idolater, enjoys the same rights in society and is to be treated equally As far as the marriage with idolaters or the People of the Book is concerned, Islam has permitted the marriage with the People of the Book but prohibited it with idolaters. It is obvious from this injunction that here too special treatment is accorded to the