Prophet Mohammad honored him by saying, “He was the best of the Jews”, recognizing his noble spirit and contribution to the broader cause.

On April 2, 2025, during a intense parliamentary debate over the Waqf Amendment Bill, India’s ruling party’s lawmaker Nishikant Dubey made a striking reference that caught the attention of both historians and common citizens alike. While defending the bill, which proposes to bring structural reforms and inclusivity to the administration of waqf properties, Dubey cited the example of a 7th-century Jewish scholar and leader—Rabbi Mukhayriq.

His words triggered a wave of curiosity about a figure not often mentioned in popular discourse—especially within Indian political conversations. Who was this Rabbi, and why is he relevant in today’s debate on religious property and national interest?

Who Was Rabbi Mukhayriq?

Rabbi Mukhayriq was a prominent Jewish scholar and wealthy landowner from the Banu Tha’labah tribe of Medina. He lived during the time of Prophet Mohammad and is remembered in Islamic and Jewish historical traditions for his courageous and selfless actions during the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE.

On the day of the battle, the city of Medina faced an imminent threat from the Quraysh tribe of Mecca. As fate would have it, the day fell on the Sabbath—a holy day for Jews, on which work and combat are generally forbidden. Despite this religious restriction, Rabbi Mukhayriq gathered his people and urged them to fight alongside the Muslims to defend their shared homeland. When his fellow tribesmen hesitated due to Sabbath laws, he rebuked them and reportedly said, “You have no Sabbath”, stressing that the defense Medina was a higher moral responsibility.

Rabbi Mukhayriq went to the battlefield and fought alongside the Muslim army. He died in the battle, becoming one of the few Jewish martyrs in the defense of Medina. He was buried in the ‘Shoda-e-Uhud’ graveyard alongside Prophet’s uncle Hamza Bin Abdul-Mutallib.

Before leaving, he had instructed that all his wealth—including several orchards—be handed over to Prophet Mohammad. The Prophet accepted this and used the wealth to establish one of Islam’s first waqf (charitable endowments), which was used to serve the poor and support the growing Muslim community.

Prophet Mohammad honored him by saying, “He was the best of the Jews”, recognizing his noble spirit and contribution to the broader cause.

A Lesson in Interfaith Unity

What makes Rabbi Mukhayriq’s story timeless is not just his bravery, but the message it carries about interfaith cooperation. At a time when divisions between communities often lead to conflict, Mukhayriq’s sacrifice reminds us that people of different faiths can—and have—worked together for the common good—to defend the national cause.

The Battle of Uhud wasn’t just a military confrontation—it was a moment that tested the moral fabric of Medina’s diverse society. The actions of Rabbi Mukhayriq exemplify that protecting a shared homeland and values sometimes means putting community above personal interests—even above religious norms.

It also highlights how early Muslims and Jews, despite theological differences, stood together when it mattered most.

Relevance in Modern India

MP Nishikant Dubey’s invocation of Mukhayriq during the Waqf Amendment Bill debate wasn’t accidental. The bill proposes to broaden waqf board membership to include non-Muslim experts and aims to improve transparency and governance in the management of waqf properties—assets donated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law.

Supporters of the bill argue that involving non-Muslims, especially legal and financial professionals, can improve efficiency and reduce corruption. Critics, however, view it as state interference in religious affairs. India’s Home Minister Amit Shah stated that, non-Muslims shall not interfere into religious affairs come what may.

Dubey’s reference to Mukhayriq was used to draw a powerful parallel—that the spirit of community service and unity across faith lines is not alien to Islamic tradition. He framed the reforms not as interference, but as an invitation to all Indians, regardless of religion, to participate in nation-building and the transparent management of shared resources.

A Legacy Worth Remembering

Rabbi Mukhayriq’s legacy is more than a footnote in Islamic history—it is a shining example of moral courage, selflessness, and the power of interfaith unity. In times where communal tensions are often stoked for political gain, his story serves as a reminder that the higher cause of justice, harmony, and national interest can—and should—transcend religious boundaries.

Hasdai Ibn Shaprut’s rise to power under the Umayyads serves as a testament to the inclusivity of Islamic governance during its golden era.

The medieval Islamic world was often characterized by its religious tolerance and meritocratic governance, particularly during its golden ages. One of the most remarkable examples of Jewish-Muslim cooperation in governance is the story of Hasdai Ibn Shaprut (c. 915–970), a Jewish statesman who rose to become the de facto prime minister under the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Rahman III in Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain).

His influence in politics, diplomacy, medicine, and culture showcases the openness of Islamic rule to talented individuals, regardless of their religious backgrounds.

Rise to Power

Hasdai Ibn Shaprut was born in Jaén, a city in present-day Spain, into a well-educated Jewish family. He received a thorough education in medicine, languages, and literature. His expertise in medicine first brought him to the attention of Abd al-Rahman III, as he became the caliph’s personal physician. However, his talents extended far beyond medicine.

Fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, Latin, and Romance languages, Hasdai quickly proved himself invaluable in diplomacy and state affairs.

Recognizing his exceptional skills, Abd al-Rahman III appointed Hasdai as one of his chief advisors, effectively making him the most powerful non-Muslim figure in the caliph’s administration. His role was equivalent to that of a prime minister, where he played a critical role in shaping the policies of the Umayyad Caliphate.

Diplomatic Achievements

As a diplomat, Hasdai was instrumental in negotiating treaties and alliances between the Umayyads and other political entities, including Christian kingdoms and the Byzantine Empire.

One of his greatest diplomatic successes was brokering peace with the Christian Kingdom of León, ensuring stability in the region. His linguistic abilities allowed him to serve as a bridge between the Muslim and Christian worlds, facilitating cultural and intellectual exchanges that enriched both societies.

Hasdai’s diplomatic reach extended beyond Al-Andalus. His famous correspondence with the Khazar kingdom, where he inquired about the status of the Jewish community there, highlights his deep concern for Jewish welfare worldwide.

His political position enabled him to act as a protector of Jewish communities not just in Spain but also in other parts of the Islamic world and beyond.

Patron of Jewish Scholarship and Culture

In addition to his political and diplomatic contributions, Hasdai Ibn Shaprut was a significant patron of Jewish learning and culture. He played a crucial role in establishing Cordoba as a center of Jewish scholarship.

Under his patronage, Hebrew poetry, philosophy, and religious studies flourished, helping to lay the groundwork for what would later be known as the Golden Age of Jewish culture in Spain.

Hasdai invited renowned scholars to Cordoba, supported the development of Hebrew grammar, and encouraged intellectual pursuits within the Jewish community. His efforts ensured that Jewish life in Spain was not only tolerated but thrived under Muslim rule.

Hasdai Ibn Shaprut’s rise to power under the Umayyads serves as a testament to the inclusivity of Islamic governance during its golden era. His contributions were not seen through the lens of religious identity but rather through his skills, intelligence, and dedication to the state.

This period of history highlights that Jews were not second-class citizens in the Islamic world but were often trusted advisors, scholars, and leaders who played essential roles in shaping society.

A Reflection for Today’s World

More prominent Jewish figures in Islamic history were Musa Bin Maymun (Maimonides) and Hibatullah ibn Zainuddin ibn Jumay, who served as the personal physicians and advisors to Salahuddin Ayyubi. Their presence in the court of the great Muslim general further emphasizes that Islamic rulers valued knowledge and ability over religious differences.

Unfortunately, the modern world has seen a rise in religious divisions, with some individuals promoting blanket hatred against the Jewish community. However, Islamic history provides a different narrative—one of coexistence, respect, and collaboration.

The legacy of Hasdai Ibn Shaprut and other Jewish figures in the Islamic world challenges the misconception that Jews were always oppressed under Muslim rule. In reality, Islamic civilizations provided opportunities for Jews to rise to the highest ranks of government, science, and philosophy.

Rather than succumbing to divisive rhetoric, Muslims today should look back at their golden history and recognize the values of knowledge, tolerance, and meritocracy that defined Islamic governance at its peak.

Hasdai Ibn Shaprut’s life is a reminder that religious coexistence is not only possible but has been a foundational element of successful Islamic societies. By embracing this history, the modern Muslim world can foster a more inclusive and harmonious future.