Who was the first to treat Hindus as people of the book in his time?

The recognition of Hindus as "People of the Book" (Ahl al-Kitab) marks a pivotal moment in the legal and social history of South Asia. This classification was first established by Muhammad bin Qasim during the Umayyad conquest of Sindh in 712 AD. Until that point, the status of Ahl al-Kitab was traditionally reserved for Jews and Christians, as mentioned in the Quran. However, as the Umayyad forces moved into the Indus Valley, the young commander was faced with the administrative challenge of governing a vast, religiously diverse population that did not fit into the existing categories of the early Islamic state's legal framework.

The Conquest of Sindh and the Brahmanabad Declaration

After the fall of Debal and the subsequent defeat of Raja Dahir, Muhammad bin Qasim advanced toward the city of Brahmanabad. Upon its surrender, the local population sought clarity on their status under the new administration. It was here that Muhammad bin Qasim issued what historical chronicles, such as the Chach Nama, describe as a landmark decree. He consulted with the scholars and the Umayyad Caliphate's central authority in Iraq, led by Hajjaj bin Yusuf, regarding the treatment of the Hindu and Buddhist populations.

The decision reached was one of significant pragmatic and theological flexibility. Muhammad bin Qasim declared that the temples of the Hindus were to be treated with the same sanctity as the churches of the Christians and the synagogues of the Jews. By granting them the status of Ahl al-Kitab, he provided them with the status of Dhimmis (protected subjects). This ensured their lives, property, and right to practice their religion were protected by the state in exchange for the payment of Jizya.

Administrative and Religious Implications

This policy was revolutionary for the time. By treating Hindus as People of the Book, Muhammad bin Qasim allowed the local Brahman-led administration to remain largely intact. He appointed local leaders to high administrative posts and allowed the priesthood to continue collecting offerings for their temples. This approach significantly reduced local resistance, as the transition of power did not necessitate a total upheaval of the social or religious fabric of Sindhi society.

The "Brahmanabad Declaration" established that because the local population possessed ancient scriptures and followed a structured moral and legal code, they were entitled to the same religious autonomy as other monotheistic groups recognized by Islam. This wasn't merely a military decision but a deep legal precedent that influenced how subsequent Muslim dynasties in India—from the Ghaznavids to the Mughals—would interact with their non-Muslim subjects.

Historical Legacy

The precedent set by Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 AD provided a foundation for the "Suleh-i-Kul" (universal peace) concepts that would later be championed by various rulers in the subcontinent. His recognition of the Hindus as a protected religious class allowed for a unique synthesis of cultures in Sindh, which became known as "Bab-ul-Islam" (the Gateway of Islam). The policy ensured that the local customs, including the wearing of sacred threads and the celebration of traditional festivals, continued without state interference. This early example of administrative pluralism remains a cornerstone study in the history of the Umayyad Caliphate’s expansion and the early interactions between Islamic law and the indigenous religions of South Asia.