An Examination of Minority Rights in Islamic Jurisprudence

Abstract

Islamic jurisprudence, or fiqh, has historically grappled with the existence and protection of non-Muslim minorities under Muslim rule. From the earliest Islamic states to multicultural communities today, the issue of how Islam treats religious minorities has been both pragmatically salient and politically divisive. This article explores the norms of Islamic law that regulate minority rights—specifically ahl al-dhimma (protected non-Muslims), freedom of religion, legal jurisdiction, and social obligations. Drawing on classical jurists, modern scholars, and real-world examples, the article demonstrates that Islamic jurisprudence—when deployed in its moral context—has a framework that preserves dignity, coexistence, and pluralism. Though there have been moments of abuse or selective application, the foundational texts of Islam hold important clues to how diverse societies can honor religious identity and shared citizenship.

Keywords: Islamic Jurisprudence, Minority Rights, Dhimmi, Shari'a, Pluralism, Coexistence, Legal Autonomy, Religious Freedom, Islamic Law, Citizenship in Islam