CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is probably the most precious of all human rights, and the imperative need today is to make it a reality for every single individual regardless of the religion or belief that he professes, regardless of his status, and regardless of his condition in life.2 The desire to enjoy this right has already proved itself to be one of the most potent and contagious political forces the world has ever known. But its full realization can come about only when the oppressive action by which it has been restricted in many parts of the world is brought to light, studied, understood and curtailed through cooperative policies; and when methods and means appropriate for the enlargement of this vital freedom are put into effect on the international as well as on the national level.3 Islamic law is, among all other legal systems, the first religious and legal order to embrace the idea of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence between different faiths within the jurisdiction of an Islamic State. As early as 7th Century AD when Prophet Muhammad (saw) reached Medina following his forceful emigration from Mecca due to severe, persistent and systematic forms of persecution directed against the earlier Muslims, the Islamic State at Medina has by law, recognized the religious co-existence of Muslims with the then Jewish and Christian communities alongside Islam.