The Idea of Pakistan

part of the Islamic state these are precautionary measures only. Such 
restrictions are also necessary from the law and order point of view because 
if non-Muslims enter the sanctuaries of Muslims and something unusual 
happens, it will injure the feelings of one another and jeopardize their cordial 
relations. 
Just as non-Muslims have been given the right to freely move in the 
country subject to the common law of the land, similarly they are also 
permitted to visit foreign countries in connection with their business 
activities subject to certain conditions common for all. Outside the state too 
they are the dhimma of the Muslims and the Islamic state. They are, 
however, not allowed to visit a state or states hostile to the Islamic state
36
. If 
a dhimmi falls captive at the hands of a foreign state, Islam imposes a duty 
on the rulers of the Islamic state and the Muslims to leave no stone unturned 
for the release and safe return of such a non-Muslim to his home. His 
ransome money may also be paid from the public exchequer if he is not in a 
position to pay the dues
37
. Islam does not permit the rulers of the Islamic 
state to detain or arrest a non-Muslim citizen unless he actually breaks the 
law of the land
38
. 
Islam grants and protects the right to education and property and 
profession to its non-Muslim minorities in accordance with their own belief 
system. Their services may also be utilized in educating the Muslims
39
. 
They are allowed to cling to their ancient cultural patterns
40
, and preserve 
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their native language. Moreover, they may adopt any profession. In Islamic 
history, in such lucrative occupations as banking, medical profession etc. 
Non-Muslims have been well represented and firmly established.
Like its Muslim citizens, the Islamic state guarantees to the non-
Muslim citizens the right to family and its secrecy. No one can enter their 
abodes without their permission. This right of dhimmis is based on textual 
injunctions
41
which are as much valid for the non-Muslims as for the 
Muslim citizens
42
. Likewise, non-Muslims have been given a choice to get 
their civil cases decided either according to the Islamic law or according to 
their own personal laws
43
. According to Fatawa ‘Alamgiri, the dhimmis are 
not subject to the tashri’i law of Islam. Legal relations among themselves 
shall be governed by the law of their own religion
44
. History is replete with 
instances when the non-Muslim brought their disputes for settlement before 
the early rulers of the Islamic state which they decided according to the 
personal laws of the non-Muslims. However, in punishing the crimes 
against humanity, such as adultery, murder, theft, robbery, assault etc, the 
same law was applicable to all and sundry in the state.