- Category: ISLAMIC HISTORY
- Language: ENGLISH
- Format: PDF
This thesis is a study of the references in the Qur’an to the People of the Book which, for Muslims, represent the theoretical groundwork of relations with them. It also considers the practical aspect of such relations as reflected in the Prophet’s relationship with the People of the Book during his life. In this way, it combines both the theory represented by the Qur’an and the practical application of the same by the Prophet.
This study addresses the Muslim attitude towards the People of the Book (ahl al-Kitab) in general and Jews and Christians in particular. It conducts detailed research based on primary sources illustrating the Qur’an and hadith. This formed the conceptual framework of Muslim treatment of non-Muslims. Part of this thesis will be dedicated to study `Umar Ibn al-Khattäb’s treatment of non-Muslims. In order to provide more support for an accurate picture of `Umar’s treatment of Jews and Christians, the study further analyses some historical episodes of his treatment of Jews and Christians.
The study discusses and analyses the steps taken by Prophet Muhammad and `Umar Ibn al-Khattäb towards both Jews and Christians in early Islam. As `Umar’s assurance of safety defines the status of Christians communities under the new Muslims rule and established the foundations of the way Muslims should follow when treating People of the Book in Islam, the study examines and critically analyses the Islamic taxation system introduced by Prophet Muhammad and `Umar. The debatable covenant of `Umar will also be discussed. Finally, the study concludes with a final discussion and summary of the findings, together with some critical remarks and recommendations.
