Assalaamu alaykum. I am from Bangladesh. Recently, two minority groups have been persecuted in my country, Hindus during their Durga Puja Festival, and a group named Shaotals. Some days later, Rohingyas of Burma have also been persecuted! I was shocked! It seemed to me as if Allaah is punishing us because some politicians persecuted non-Muslim minorities in our country! Is it as it appears to me? Another question: as a muslim, what can I do for non-Muslim minorities in our country and for Muslim minorities living in non-Muslim lands?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

What happened to that Muslim minority is not necessarily a punishment for the Muslims because of what happened in your country. Rather, it might just be a test from Allah for them, as this worldly life is a test; Allah says (what means): {Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.} [Quran 21:35]

Every Muslim should help this Muslim minority with what he can of money, effort, or verbal defense. Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet said, “Support your brother whether he is an oppressor or an oppressed one.” People asked, “O Messenger of Allah! It is alright to support him if he is oppressed, but how should we support him if he is an oppressor?” He said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.” [Al-Bukhaari]

If non-Muslim minorities are unjustly assaulted in one's country, then that is an evil that one must deny according to their ability. It is not permissible to assault a non-Muslim or be unjust to him. The Prophet said, “Beware, if anyone wrongs a Mu'aahad (a person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims), diminishes his right, burdens him beyond his capacity, or takes from him anything without his consent, I shall plead for him (the Mu'aahad) on the Day of Judgment.” [Abu Daawood]

It is more appropriate for the Muslims to encourage those people to embrace Islam by dealing with them in a good manner and treating them kindly; this is something permitted in the Sharia. Allah says (what means): {Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.} [Quran 60:8]

Allah knows best.