Rights of Minorities in Islam

Rights of Minorities in Islam
Islam is a religion that encourages its followers to be humane with their fellow humans. There seems to be no such principle that allows humiliation of a human
Being, rather in an Islamic society, minorities enjoy more rights than in any other society.
Shariah enunciate explicitly and makes it binding that minorities, too, will be entitled to rights as granted to Muslims, while living in an Islamic society. Indeed, Islam urges allegiance to providence, but neither puts pressure on one's changing articles of faith nor resorts to coercion in the matters of religion. As for the preaching of the Divine message, the Holy Qur'an says:
“There is no compulsion in religion; no doubt the virtuous path has become clearly distinct from the erring; then whoso does not accept devil and believes in Allah, he grasped a very firm knot which is never to open and Allah Hears and Knows.”   (Baqarah: 256)
At another point, preaching that hurts one's religious sentiments is barred by saying:
“O Muhammad (PBUH)! Invite mankind to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.”     (Nahl: 125)
The rights that Islam has bestowed on minorities can best be adjudged from the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He said, “The violators of agreements who tend to usurpation of others' rights or those who take anything without lawful authority or against the will of the possessors, will be pointed out on the Day of Judgment, and they would be cornered on behalf of the complainant.”The Holy Prophet (PBUH) always warned Muslims against any violation or infringement of the minorities' rights. According to a hadith, the Prophet said, “Whosoever murders a zimmi will not enter the folds of Heaven, not even the fragrance which can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of travelling).” In fact, Islam...