Özet:

Historically, it was observed that many dominant cultures assimilated subculturesand ignored basic rights and expectations of minorities. Some historiansclaimed that the Islamic governments did the same. In this article I will argue thatthey usually protected the basic rights of non-Muslim minorities, according to therules laid down by Islam. I will give few examples of tolerance by Muslimgovernments towards the Christian communities living under Islamic states duringthe early five centuries of Hijrah. The article comprises of following sections:Freedom of faith and thought under Islamic government for non-Muslims;tolerance to their rituals and sacreds; tolerance to the churches and monasteries;freedom in the theological discussions with Muslim scholars; financial exemptions;employment in the bureaucracy; tolerance to their cultural appearances; and finallytolerance toward certain aspects of social life and the broadmindedness.

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