5. Whatever characteristically represents either a particular doctrine, creed,
way of thought or conduct is recognized as its symbol. For example, official
flags, uniforms of the armed forces, coins, notes and stamps are symbols used
by governments so that their subjects - in fact all those who live within their
sphere of influence - treat them with proper respect. Cathedrals, altars and
crosses are symbols of Christianity. A special bunch of hair on the head, a
special kind of bead-rosary and the temple are symbols of Hinduism. A turban,
bracelet and Kirpan (a special dagger kept by the Sikhs) are symbols of the
Sikh religion. The hammer and sickle are the symbols of Communism. The swastika
has been the symbol of Aryan racialism. The followers of these ideologies are
required to treat these symbols with respect. If a man insults any symbol associated
with a particular ideology it is regarded as an act of hostility; and if the
person concerned is himself a follower of that ideology then that insult is
considered tantamount to an abandonment of, and a revolt against it.
The expression 'sha'a'ir Allah' refers to all those rites which, in opposition
to polytheism and outright disbelief and atheism, are the characteristic symbols
of an exclusive devotion to God. Muslims are required to respect these symbols,
regardless of the people among whom they are found, provided their underlying
spirit is one of godliness and that they have not been tainted by either polytheistic
or pagan associations. Hence, whenever a Muslim encounters something in either
the creed or practice of a non-Muslim, which embodies any element of devotion
and service to the One True God, he will identify himself with it and show respect
to the symbols which represent it. For this true element in their religious
life constitutes the point of agreement between them and the Muslims. The point
of dispute is not that they serve God, but that they associate others in that
service.
It should be recalled that this directive to treat the symbols of God with due
respect was given at a time when a state of belligerency existed between the
Muslims and the polytheists of Arabia, and Makka was under the occupation of
the latter. Polytheistic tribes from all over Arabia used to visit the Ka'bah
for Pilgrimage, and the routes of many of these tribes were within the reach-of
the Muslims if they decided to attack. It was in such circumstances that the
Muslims were told that, even though those people were polytheists, they should
not be molested if they were proceeding towards the 'House of God'; that they
should not be attacked during the months of Pilgrimage; and that the animals
which they were carrying for sacrificial offering should not be touched. The
element of godliness which persisted in their otherwise distorted religious
life deserved to be respected.