7.8 Importance as Examples for Inter-State Relations

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Introduction: Foundation of Islamic Inter-State Relations

The principles that guide how Muslims should deal with other nations and states were first established by the Holy Quran. Prophet Muhammad PBUH then put these principles into practice during his rule from 622–632 A.D. After him, the four Rightly Guided Caliphs continued to follow and extend these principles from 632–661 A.D.

During the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, the Islamic Empire grew significantly. As it expanded, Muslims came into contact with powerful neighbouring empires such as the Persian Empire and the Byzantine (Roman) Empire. The caliphs dealt with each situation carefully — maintaining peace when possible and defending the empire firmly when necessary.

The general approach of the Rightly Guided Caliphs in dealing with other states was based on:

• Non-aggression — avoiding unnecessary conflict
• Defensive warfare — only fighting back when attacked or threatened
• Fair treatment — offering peace before going to war
• Religious tolerance — respecting the rights and beliefs of non-Muslims
• Protection of minorities — safeguarding the lives, property, and worship places of non-Muslim communities

Example 1: Hazrat Abu Bakr RZ (632–634 A.D.)

Dealing with Persian Aggression

During the Ridda Wars, when Muslim forces were campaigning in Bahrain, the Persian Empire interfered against the Muslims. Hazrat Abu Bakr RZ did not ignore this provocation. He responded firmly and decisively, sending a clear message: even though the Islamic state was young and still dealing with internal challenges, it would not tolerate aggression from outside powers.

Following this, Hazrat Abu Bakr RZ directed military campaigns into Eastern and Western Iraq to deal with the Persians. These campaigns resulted in the Muslims gaining control over territories that had historically belonged to the Arabian region but were under Persian control.

Peaceful Relations and the Treaty of Hira

Hazrat Abu Bakr RZ did not pursue conflict for the sake of conquest. His approach was always to offer peace first. Whenever the residents of a newly controlled area agreed to live peacefully and accepted to pay Jizya (a tax paid by non-Muslim subjects in exchange for protection), the caliph welcomed them warmly and treated them with respect.

This is best demonstrated by the Treaty of Hira — a historical landmark that holds great significance:

• It was the first treaty that Muslims signed on conquered land outside the Arabian Peninsula
• It showed that Muslim leadership was willing to build friendly, respectful bonds with non-Muslim populations
• It proved that Islam does not force its rule through violence alone; rather, peaceful coexistence was always the preferred path