Relationship Between Muslims and Non-Muslims – JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Islam teaches Muslims to treat people of other faiths with justice, kindness and respect, while keeping their own religious identity.

Behavioural objectives

1. State the Islamic principles of justice, kindness, respect for human dignity and peaceful coexistence.
2. Give examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) of good treatment of non-Muslims.
3. Describe the types of relationships Muslims can have with non-Muslims and the boundaries that apply.
4. Explain the correct approach to da’wah.
5. Correct common misconceptions about Muslims and non-Muslims.
6. Name some challenges and some examples of cooperation between Muslims and non-Muslims today.

What are the key terms in this topic?

A non-Muslim is any person who does not follow the religion of Islam, for example a Christian or a Jew.

• Nigerian setting: Muslims and non-Muslims often live on the same street, attend the same schools and trade in the same markets.

What are the basic Islamic principles for relationships with non-Muslims?

There are four basic principles: justice, kindness, respect for human dignity, and peace with coexistence.

Justice and fairness

Justice means giving every person their right, whatever their religion.

• Quran 4:135: “O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your relatives…”
• Quran 60:8: “Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and fairly with those who have not fought you over religion or driven you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”
• In practice: treat people fairly in business, legal matters and daily dealings, whatever their faith.

Kindness and good treatment

Muslims are encouraged to be kind to all people.

• Hadith: the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One in heaven will show mercy to you.” (Tirmidhi)
• Good manners: speak politely, help people in need, respect elders and show compassion.
• Kind acts: visit sick non-Muslims, give charity to needy non-Muslims and offer condolences when they lose loved ones.

Respect for human dignity

Dignity is the honour and worth that every human being has.

• Quran 17:70: “Indeed, We have honoured the children of Adam…”
• Who is included: all humans, whatever their religion, race or background.
• In practice: do not insult others, do not look down on them, and treat them with respect.

Peace and coexistence

Islam promotes peaceful living with others.

• The word “Islam”: it comes from the same root as “salam”, which means peace.
• Quran 49:13: “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”
• Lesson: getting to know different people and cultures is encouraged in Islam.

What are the historical examples of Muslim and non-Muslim relations?

History shows Muslims protecting people of other faiths, beginning with the Prophet (peace be upon him).

The Prophet’s example

• The Constitution of Madinah: when the Prophet set up the first Muslim community in Madinah, he made an agreement that protected the rights of the Jewish tribes living there.
• Treatment of neighbours: he treated his non-Muslim neighbours kindly, visited them when they were sick and exchanged gifts with them.
• The Conquest of Makkah: he forgave those who had persecuted Muslims for years and declared a general amnesty.

Covenants with Christians

• Saint Catherine’s Monastery: the Prophet is recorded to have made a covenant with the monks of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, promising protection for Christian communities.
• Umar ibn Al-Khattab: when Jerusalem was conquered in his caliphate, he signed a treaty guaranteeing the safety of Christian churches and worshippers.

Jews in Muslim societies

• Refuge: when Jews were expelled from Spain, many found refuge in Muslim Ottoman territories.
• Positions held: in many Muslim societies, Jews served as doctors, scholars and advisors.

What types of relationships can Muslims have with non-Muslims?

There are four main types: family, neighbourly, business and work, and social relationships.

Family relationships

• Non-Muslim parents: the Quran says: “But if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in this world with appropriate kindness.” (Quran 31:15)
• Family ties: keep ties with non-Muslim relatives by visiting them, helping them and showing kindness.

Neighbourly relations

• Hadith: the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) kept recommending me to treat neighbours well until I thought he would make them my heirs.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
• Who is covered: neighbours, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.
• Good neighbour: help in times of need, share food, avoid disturbing them and respect their property.

Business and work relationships

• The Prophet’s example: he traded with non-Muslims.
• Employment: Muslims can work for non-Muslim employers or have non-Muslim employees.
• Conduct: business dealings must be honest, fair and ethical with everyone.

Social relationships

• Visits: Muslims can visit non-Muslims, accept their invitations and invite them home.
• Gifts and greetings: they can exchange these on appropriate occasions.
• Limit: the activities must not include anything prohibited in Islam.

What are the boundaries in relations between Muslims and non-Muslims?

There are three boundaries: religious identity, avoiding sin, and the rules on marriage.

Religious boundaries

• Ceremonies: Muslims should not take part in ceremonies of other faiths in a way that contradicts Islamic beliefs.
• Principles: Muslims cannot give up clear Islamic principles while mixing with others.
• Respect: Muslims should not mock or insult other religions, even when they disagree.

Avoiding sin

• Gatherings: avoid events with alcohol, gambling or immodest behaviour.
• Friendships: a friendship must not lead a Muslim to give up Islamic values.
• Choice of friends: choose friends who respect your religious choices.

Marriage considerations

• Muslim men: they are permitted to marry chaste Jewish or Christian women (People of the Book).
• Muslim women: they may marry only Muslim men, according to mainstream interpretations.
• Reason: these rules protect faith and family harmony.

What is allowed and what is not?

How should Muslims do da’wah (inviting to Islam) with non-Muslims?

Da’wah is inviting people to Islam with wisdom, good words and good character, without force.

Gentle invitation

• Quran 16:125: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.”
• No force: force or pressure must never be used in religious matters.
• Goal: to deliver the message. Acceptance is left to Allah and the listener.

Leading by example

• Good character: honesty, kindness and good morals attract others to learn about Islam.
• Hadith: the Prophet said: “I was sent to perfect good character.” (Malik)
• Actions: they often show the beauty of Islam better than words.

Answering questions

• Quran 2:83: “And speak to people with good words.”
• Accurate answers: correct information clears up misunderstandings.
• Honesty: admit when you do not know something instead of giving wrong information.

What are the common misconceptions about Muslims and non-Muslims?

There are three common misconceptions: that Muslims cannot be friends with non-Muslims, that Islam teaches hatred, and that Muslims must convert everyone.

“Muslims cannot be friends with non-Muslims”

• Truth: the Quran warns against taking as close allies those who are openly hostile to Islam and Muslims. It does not forbid friendly relations with peaceful non-Muslims.
• Quran 5:51: the verses about not taking disbelievers as allies refer to military and political alliances in times of conflict, and not to personal friendships in peace.
• Example: many companions of the Prophet had good relations with non-Muslims who were not enemies of Islam.

“Islam teaches hatred of non-Muslims”

• Truth: Islam teaches justice and kindness towards all peaceful people.
• Faith alone: hatred of a person because of their faith is not an Islamic teaching.
• Quran: it criticises specific beliefs or actions and does not condemn people themselves.

“Muslims must convert everyone”

• Quran 2:256: “There is no compulsion in religion.”
• Sharing: Muslims are asked to share the message, and acceptance is up to the individual.
• Quran 28:56: “Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills.”

What challenges do Muslims and non-Muslims face today?

Three common challenges are media stereotypes, Islamophobia and political conflicts.

Media stereotypes

• Problem: Muslims are often shown as dangerous or violent in films and news.
• Effect: these images make it harder for people to trust each other.
• Response: Muslims can speak up in the media and share their true experiences.

Islamophobia

• Problem: discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes affect Muslim communities in some places.
• Response: Muslims can respond with patience, education and dialogue instead of anger.
• Allies: working with fair-minded non-Muslims helps to reduce prejudice.

Political conflicts

• Problem: global conflicts sometimes affect local relationships, for example issues involving Muslim-majority countries.
• Response: separate political issues from personal relationships.
• Dialogue: open talks about difficult issues build understanding.

What are some positive examples of cooperation?

Muslims and non-Muslims cooperate through interfaith dialogue, humanitarian work and educational exchanges.

Interfaith dialogue

• Participation: many Islamic organisations take part in interfaith discussions.
• Focus: common values and mutual respect.
• Benefit: they correct misunderstandings and build friendships.

Humanitarian work

• Relief: disaster relief, feeding the hungry and helping the homeless.
• Community: environmental protection and community improvement.
• Benefit: shared efforts build bridges and show our common humanity.

Educational exchanges

• Schools: programmes where students learn about different religions.
• Mosques: open mosque days where non-Muslims can visit and ask questions.
• Universities: courses and public lectures about different faiths.

Evaluation

1. What does the Quran teach about justice towards non-Muslims?
2. Give two examples from the Prophet Muhammad’s life showing how he treated non-Muslims.
3. Explain the difference between respecting other religions and taking part in their religious ceremonies.
4. How should Muslims keep relationships with non-Muslim family members?
5. What is the correct approach to da’wah according to Islamic teachings?

Assignment

1. List three ways a Muslim can be a good neighbour to a non-Muslim, and support one of them with a hadith from this lesson.