Islamic Jurisprudence and Minority Citizenship: Sikh Communities in Contemporary Muslim States

Abstract

The question of minority citizenship within Muslim-majority states has increasingly attracted scholarly attention in contemporary legal and theological discourse. This article critically examines the intersection between Islamic jurisprudence and modern conceptions of citizenship, with particular reference to Sikh communities residing in Muslim states, especially Pakistan. While classical Islamic legal frameworks historically articulated the concept of protected non-Muslim subjects, contemporary nation-states necessitate a reconfiguration of these doctrines within egalitarian constitutional paradigms. Employing a doctrinal and socio-legal methodology, this study explores Qur’ānic principles, Prophetic traditions, and juristic interpretations that establish the normative foundations for minority protection. It further juxtaposes these principles with modern constitutional arrangements and international human rights standards. The Sikh community is utilized as a focal case to assess the practical implementation of these legal norms. The findings suggest that Islamic jurisprudence, when interpreted through the lens of Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah, offers a robust ethical and legal basis for inclusive citizenship. However, structural and administrative challenges continue to affect full realization. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at harmonizing Islamic legal heritage with contemporary citizenship models in plural societies (An-Na’im, 2008; Kamali, 2008).