Abstract
The protection of minority rights within Islamic legal frameworks represents a vital aspect of justice and social harmony envisioned by Shariah. Rooted in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and early Islamic governance, the Islamic legal system ensures the dignity, safety, and religious freedom of non-Muslim minorities (Ahl al-Dhimmah). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established clear principles guaranteeing equality before the law and safeguarding the lives, property, and worship of all citizens regardless of faith. Classical jurists, such as Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam al-Shafi‘i, developed legal mechanisms for coexistence and mutual respect between Muslims and non-Muslims. Historical evidence from the Rashidun Caliphate and later Islamic empires demonstrates practical models of pluralism and tolerance grounded in divine law. Contemporary Islamic scholarship reinterprets these principles in light of modern human rights discourse, emphasizing harmony between Islamic justice and universal human rights standards. Thus, Islamic jurisprudence provides a robust moral and legal foundation for protecting minorities, promoting peaceful coexistence, and ensuring social equity across diverse communities.
Academians Publishers