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Controversial miscellaneous issues related to Islam

Are Non Muslims REALLY not allowed to hold high ranks in an Islamic state..?

As we stated before the general rule in Islamic jurisprudence is that: "Non Muslims have the right to serve in any governmental positions which do not have a direct impact on the religious life of Muslims. For example, non Muslims may not serve as Imams (head of state), head of army, arbiters in inter-Muslim disputes or as Zakah (Islamic tax) collectors."

The Imam (Caliph) is responsible for both religious and secular authorities since they are the successors of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The leadership of the army is not a secular post, for Islam regards Jihad as the greatest act of worship. This also applies to the Islamic Judiciary system, as it is rooted on the Islamic Jurisprudence (shariah). The same is true for the position of zakah collectors and officials entrusted with other posts of religious nature. Other than the above, non Muslims are allowed to hold any position. Real-life examples of non-Muslims holding high positions in the Islamic state are so vast.

Examples:

  • The first Umayyid Caliph, Muawyah Ibn Abu Suffian had a Christian named Sarjun as the head office clerk.
  • Nasr ibn harun in 369 AH and Isa Ibn Nasturis in 380 AH occupied the post of executive minister in the Abbasid dynasty.
  • In the era of Haroun ElRasheed, All schools were under the supervision of Hanna Masnia
  • Caliph AlMansour’s doctor was Ibn Bakhtishu

Non Muslims testimony:

  • Western historian Adam Mitz says in his book Islamic Civilization in the Fourth Hijri Century, "We find it very surprising the abundance of non-Muslim laborers and senior staff within the Muslim state; where Christians governed Muslims in Muslim provinces, and complaints against non-Muslims’ seniority in these provinces dates far back" (part 1, p. 105).

  • Adam Mitz writes: "The Islamic Shariah did not deny the non Muslims any opportunity to work. They were engaged in lucrative professions; they were money exchangers, traders, jewelers and businessmen, physicians and landlords. They organized themselves in lucrative manner. For example, most of the physicians, clerks and scribes were Christians. Whereas most of the dealers in currency and jewelry in Syria were Jews. The Christian leader in Baghdad was the physician of the caliph; the Jews leaders and businessmen were employees of the caliph"