16. Do non-Muslims have a
‘second-grade citizen’ status as per the Islamic Shariah?

There is no such distinction or class-system in Islam. People are aware of the cultural aspect of Islam but do not know about the real Islamic teachings of the Quran. The concept of dividing some people into an enemy-category and some into a friend-category is in itself wrong. According to Islam, everyone is either a friend or a potential friend. The Quran reads:

Good and evil deeds are not equal. Do good deed in return for bad deed; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend. (Quran 41:34)

An enemy is a potential friend. The duty of a Muslim is to turn this potential into actuality through good deeds. This is the true spirit of Islam.