Mauao Man

The Myth of Tolerance:

How Non-Muslims Are Treated Under Sharia

Understanding Dhimmitude — The Harsh Reality of Life as a Non-Muslim in an Islamic State

Introduction: The Illusion of Tolerance

Islam is often presented as a religion of tolerance, a faith that respects “People of the Book” — Jews and Christians — and allows them to live in peace under Islamic rule. But the reality of life for non-Muslims under Sharia law is very different. It is a life of “Dhimmitude.”

Under Sharia, non-Muslims (dhimmis) are allowed to live, but only as second-class citizens. They are forced to pay a special tax called “jizya,” live under strict conditions, and are denied basic rights that Muslims take for granted. This is not a fringe interpretation. It is a core principle of Islamic law, confirmed by the Quran, the Hadith, and the writings of classical Islamic scholars.

This post exposes the Myth of Tolerance under Islamic rule, revealing what life is really like for non-Muslims in a Sharia state.

1. What Is Dhimmitude?

1. Defining Dhimmitude

Dhimmitude is the status of non-Muslims (dhimmis) who live under Islamic rule.
The term comes from the Arabic word “dhimma,” which means “protection” or “covenant.”
But this “protection” is not a privilege — it is a form of subjugation.
Dhimmis are allowed to live in exchange for paying a special tax (jizya) and accepting a set of humiliating conditions.

2. The Concept of Jizya (Protection Tax)

Non-Muslims are required to pay the jizya as a sign of submission.
This tax is explicitly commanded in the Quran:
- “Fight those who do not believe in Allah… until they pay the jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.” (Quran 9:29)
The amount of jizya is determined by the Muslim ruler, and it is often set at a level that is deliberately burdensome.

3. The Conditions of Dhimmitude

Dhimmis must accept a set of humiliating restrictions, including:
- They cannot build new churches, synagogues, or temples.
- They cannot publicly display religious symbols, such as crosses.
- They must dress differently from Muslims to be easily identified.
- They cannot ride horses, only donkeys.
- They cannot defend themselves against a Muslim, even in self-defense.
- They must step aside for Muslims on the street.

4. The Pact of Umar: A Historic Example of Dhimmitude

The Pact of Umar is a historical document attributed to the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, outlining the conditions for Christians living under Islamic rule.
These conditions included:
- No new churches could be built.
- Christians were forbidden from repairing old churches.
- Christians could not teach their religion to Muslims.
- Christians had to show respect to Muslims at all times.
Although the Pact of Umar is a historical document, its principles are reflected in classical Sharia law.

2. Dhimmitude in the Quran and Hadith

1. Quranic Verses on Dhimmitude

“Fight those who do not believe in Allah… until they pay the jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.” (Quran 9:29)
“They have been cursed wherever they are found, being seized, killed, and destroyed completely.” (Quran 33:61)

2. Hadith Teachings on Non-Muslims

“If anyone changes his religion, kill him.” (Sahih Bukhari 6922) — a clear command to kill apostates.
“The best of my nation will fight the people of the West, and Allah will conquer them through them.” (Sahih Muslim 2897) — a prophecy of conquest over non-Muslims.
“Do not initiate the greeting of peace with the Jews and Christians, and if you meet them on the road, force them to the narrowest part.” (Sahih Muslim 2167)

3. Scholarly Commentary on Dhimmitude

Ibn Kathir: “This verse (Quran 9:29) means that the non-Muslims must be humiliated and feel their inferior status.”
Al-Qurtubi: “The purpose of jizya is to humble the non-Muslims and demonstrate the superiority of Islam.”
Ibn Taymiyyah: “The lives and property of dhimmis are protected as long as they submit to Muslim authority and pay the jizya.”

3. The Reality of Dhimmitude: Real-World Examples

1. The Ottoman Empire: Systematic Oppression

Under Ottoman rule, Christian and Jewish communities were forced to pay the jizya.
They were subject to the “devshirme” system, where Christian boys were taken from their families, converted to Islam, and trained as soldiers (Janissaries).
Churches were destroyed, and Christians were forbidden from riding horses or wearing certain colors.

2. Iran: Dhimmitude for Zoroastrians and Christians

Zoroastrians were forced to wear yellow badges to identify themselves as non-Muslims.
Churches could not be built or repaired without government permission.
Christians were forbidden from speaking about their faith to Muslims.

3. Saudi Arabia: No Churches Allowed

Non-Muslims are not allowed to build churches, synagogues, or temples in Saudi Arabia.
Conversion from Islam to another faith is punishable by death.
Non-Muslims must follow strict rules in public, including a dress code for women.

4. Egypt: Coptic Christians Under Persecution

Coptic Christians in Egypt have faced church burnings, violent attacks, and forced conversion.
They are often treated as second-class citizens, with little legal protection.
Jizya has been re-imposed in some areas by extremist groups.

4. The Myth of Islamic Tolerance: Exposing the Lie

1. The Myth of “People of the Book”

Muslims are taught that Jews and Christians are “People of the Book,” but this title comes with a price — subjugation.
The Quran commands Muslims to fight Jews and Christians until they submit and pay the jizya (Quran 9:29).
Dhimmitude is not a form of tolerance — it is a system of religious apartheid.

2. The Double-Standard of Tolerance

Islam demands tolerance from others but does not offer the same in return.
While mosques are built freely in the West, churches and synagogues are restricted or forbidden in many Muslim-majority countries.
Muslims demand freedom of speech but enforce blasphemy laws to silence criticism of Islam.

5. Why This Matters: The Consequences of Dhimmitude

1. Second-Class Citizenship

Dhimmis are always treated as inferior, regardless of their achievements or contributions.
Even in modern Muslim-majority countries, non-Muslims face legal discrimination.

2. Forced Conversion and Persecution

Dhimmitude creates a constant pressure for non-Muslims to convert to Islam.
In many cases, this pressure is backed by threats of violence.

3. The Spread of Dhimmitude to the West

Muslim organizations in the West promote “Islamic tolerance,” but this is a one-way demand.
Criticism of Islam is labeled as “Islamophobia.”
Blasphemy laws are enforced in practice, even without being officially recognized.

Conclusion: Dhimmitude — Tolerance or Tyranny?

Dhimmitude is not tolerance. It is a system of religious supremacy, where non-Muslims are allowed to live, but only as second-class citizens. It is the Islamic version of “separate but unequal.”

If Islam is truly a religion of peace, why does it command Muslims to subjugate non-Muslims?
If Islam is truly a religion of tolerance, why do non-Muslims have to pay for their right to exist?

The truth is that “Islamic tolerance” is a myth. And the reality of dhimmitude is proof.

The Two Faces of Islam: Peace for the Public, Power Behind Closed Doors
The Thin Edge of the Wedge: How Gradualism is Changing New Zealand
Islam’s Three Faces: From Peaceful Preacher to Conquering Warlord

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.