—provided they do so in a position of subordination, yielding to the authority of Islam. They may then be left to practice their own faith, on the condition that they pay the jizya and submit to Islamic rule. Should they be neither People of the Book nor Zoroastrians, however, the jurists differ as to whether jizya may be taken from them.

Second: There is no objection to concluding a truce with the unbelievers when the Muslims have need of it—for example, when they lack the strength to fight them and fear the harm the unbelievers might inflict. In such a case, it is permissible to negotiate a truce until the Muslims become strong enough to engage them, or if the unbelievers themselves request a settlement. Allah the Exalted says, “And if they incline toward peace, then incline toward it as well” (al-Anfal 61). Any truce, however, must be temporary and fixed to a specific term, as determined by the Muslim leader according to what best serves the common good.

Third: There is likewise no objection to reciprocating their kindness if they show benevolence toward Muslims. Allah the Exalted says, “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you on account of religion or drive you from your homes, that you show them kindness and act justly toward them; indeed, Allah loves those who act justly” (al-Mumtahanah 8).