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Controversial miscellaneous issues related to Islam
Medical care and Social Welfare against Disability, Old Age, and Poverty
Islamic jurisprudence guarantees to non-Muslims living under its societal umbrella their necessary welfare benefits, which enables them to live decently and support those they sponsor, since they are considered among the Muslim state’s subjects or citizens. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was reported to have said, "We are all shepherds and we are all responsible for those who are under our hands (i.e. in our flocks)" (Ibn `Umar).
Sheikh Shams Al-Dim Ramli, the famous commentator of Al-Minhaj of Nawawi, says that: The non-Muslims are like Muslims when it comes to relieving them from their sufferings. It is essential for all Muslims to remove any harm coming to them. Apart from food and clothing of the needy non-Muslims, it is also a must to help them in the treatment of their sick and giving fees to the doctors and buying medicines...etc.
Examples:
1- The treaty between Khalid Ibn El-walid in his treaty with the Christians of Al-Hira in Iraq at the era of the first righteous caliph Abu Bakr Al-Seddik states:
"Any aged non-Muslim who is unable to earn his livelihood, or is struck by disaster, or who becomes destitute and is helped by the charity of his fellow men will be exempted from the capitation tax and will be supplied with sustenance by the bait al-mal (the government treasury)"
2- The second righteous Caliph, Umar Ibn Elkhattab, may Allah be pleased with him, once saw an old Jewish beggar whom he found to be destitute. Ordering the state authorities to pay for his livelihood, he observed: "It is unjust if we collect the capitation tax from him in his youth and abandon him in his old age".
3- Umar, May Allah be pleased with him, was on his way to Syria he came across some Christian lepers at Jabia. He ordered the financial authorities to give them help from the Zakah (charity) funds and to provide for them.
4- Abu Jafar Muhamad bin Jarir Al-Tabari says in his commentary of the Quran, Tafsir Al-Tabari, on the authority of Nafi that he heard Akramah concerning the verse:" Undoubtedly Zakat is for the poor (Fuqara) and the destitute (Masakin).", that the poor among Muslims should not be called destitute. The reference to the destitute is made in respect of the people of the book. Therefore, this verse about Zakat includes also non-Muslims.
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