78. TREATMENT OF THE DIMMIES
Dimmis are those Jews, Christians and Magians of the Islamic state who pay Jiziya according to the agreement with them.and in return the State takes the responsibility of protecting their lives and properties. They will have all the economic freedoms but they will be prohibited from fighting with the Muslims or causing them harm in any way. About these Dimmies, Hazrat Ameer al Momineen(a.s.)’s attitude was that of kindness. He defined their economic and cultural rights and did not have any narrow-minded attitude towards them. He gave them total freedom to follow their religious rites. He neither belittled them on account of subscribing to a different faith nor he tolerated any oppression against them from any quarter. He also instructed his functionaries to keep in mind their rights and not deprive them of any thing that was rightfully theirs. Therefore, in the document that he wrote to Malik e Ashter, he said:
“Don’t become a wild beast against them that you think of swallowing them. Among the subjects there are two types of persons. One type your brothers in Faith and the others are creatures of Allah who look like you!”
It is evident from what the Imam (a.s.) said here that he used to keep all men, on account of being men, at the same level. He gave as much importance to the relationship of humanity that he gave to religious unity. Therefore, on account of difference in faith and belief, he never deprived any one of his rights.nor did he ever express hate for anyone subscribing to another faith. Because of this attitude the Dimmies always remained faithful with him. Ibne Abil Hadeed writes:
“What should I write about the person who the Dimmies liked as much as their own lives although they used to belittle the prophethood ( of the Prophet –s.a.).”
Ref: Muqaddima Ibne Abil Hadeed, Page 7
Once Ameer al Momineen (a.s.) was traveling to Koofa. On the way a Dimmi joined him on the journey. He asked the Imam (a.s.) where he was heading to. The Imam (a.s.) told him that he was going to Koofa. After traveling for sometime, the Dimmi wanted to take a diversion to go towards his destination. The Imam (a.s.) too accompanied him. The Dimmi said,“This way doesn’t go to Koofa, your destination.” The Imam (a.s.) replied,“I know! But good manners demand that I come with you some distance before I go my way! Our Prophet (s.a.) has taught us these manners!” The man said,“It is an excellent Faith that gives such good lessons and I shall now come with you to Koofa.” Therefore he went with the Imam (a.s.) to Koofa and when he learned that he was traveling with the Ameer al Momineen (a.s.) he embraced Islam.