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.

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.