With regard to foreign policy, Muslim international law and its precepts are based upon universal truths.

Such precepts apply to the whole humanity regardless of religion and race. Islam is a religion of peace and believes in peaceful co-existence, hence, trea­ties, pacts and covenants are respected and obligations arising out of them faithfully fulfilled:

‘O ye who believe keep your covenants’ (5: 1).

‘Verily, of the covenants enquiry shall be made’ (17:34).

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Islam tolerates on its territory, a multiplicity of laws, with autonomous judiciary for each community. A stranger, therefore, belongs to the jurisdiction of his own confessional tribunal.

Further, he is allowed to practise customs that are forbidden in Islam. The consumption of alcoholic drinks, for instance, is for­bidden to a Muslim, yet a non-Muslim enjoys the liberty not only of its consumption but also of its manufacture and sale.

Such is the toleration of Islam which seeks to establish a world order based on the principle of belief in One God.