for it seeks to reach people’s ears and hearts by the easiest and most effective means, and it resorts to war only when absolutely necessary—when conveying its message to the general public becomes impossible because the elite and those in power block its path.
2 – For this reason Islam concludes pacts of safety and treaties with the unbelievers, through which a non-Muslim may listen to the word of Allah and see the reality of the Islamic call up close. It also enters into the covenant of dhimma with them, by which the unbeliever is left upon his own creed—even while residing in Muslim territory—on condition that he pays the jizya and abides by the rulings of the Islamic law.
3 – Such agreements with the unbelievers may be contracted even when Islam is strong and triumphant, provided that the overall benefit of Islam and the Muslims requires them. They are never signed at the expense of belittling Islam or portraying it as weak before other religions and their followers, for Islam is supreme and nothing can prevail over it.
4 – Accordingly, the dhimmīs must observe the Islamic rulings concerning what they themselves deem forbidden—such as fornication and theft—though not with respect to what they consider permissible, such as wine.
5 – They are liable for the destruction of life and property and for violations of honor, and the prescribed penalties are carried out upon them.
6 – They must be kept distinct from Muslims in their burial places; they are not to be interred in Muslim graveyards.
7 – They must also be distinguished from Muslims by a specific form of dress through which they are recognized.
8 – They are not to be given precedence in gatherings, nor should people stand up for them when they arrive.
9 – They are not to be greeted first with “Peace,” nor with “Good morning,” “Good evening,” or similar expressions of courtesy and warmth.
10 – It is impermissible to congratulate them on their festivals, to attend those festivals, or to assist in them.
11 – If they meet Muslims on the road, the Muslims should oblige them to keep to the narrowest part of it.