Title: Must Non-Muslims in an Islamic state conform to the Shari'ah ? Question/Comments: You write that the status and rights of non-Muslims in an Islamic state shall be determined by way of consultation between a collectivity of non-Muslims and the state. Would the entire corpus of the Shari`ah - excepting prayer and Zaka'h - be automatically binding for the non-Muslims or would they only be required to abide by such laws as are agreed upon by them and the state? Thank you Omar Sarwar Answer: All citizens of a state, whether it is a Muslim state, a Jewish state or a secular state, are subject to all the public laws implemented in that state. A state cannot implement separate laws for the various peoples that reside in it. In view of this, generally accepted fact, all citizens of a Muslim state shall be subject to the laws of that state. The only exception that can reasonably be considered in this respect, is where a law of a Muslim state either restricts the religious freedom of any of the denominations that reside in it or requires them to do something or act in a certain manner, which is clearly prohibited in their religion. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad December 15, 2001