jizya

Jizya is a historical tax once levied on non-Muslim residents of Muslim-ruled states, known in Islamic jurisprudence as dhimmi. It was typically charged on eligible adult non-Muslim men and was tied to the protection and security provided by the Muslim ruler, with exemption from military service. The tax did not grant converts automatic privileges, and Muslims remained subject to other forms of taxation.

Legal basis for jizya comes from classical Islamic sources and jurisprudence. The Qur’an and later hadith and fiqh texts describe a dhimma contract under which protected non-Muslims could practice their faith and live under Muslim governance in return for tribute. Jurists across the main Sunni schools elaborated rules on who must pay, who is exempt, and how rates are determined, with significant regional and historical variation.

Rates and exemptions varied. Jizya was often assessed according to wealth and ability to pay; in many cases, the poor, elderly, disabled, or certain other groups could be exempt or receive reduced obligations. Women and children were generally not required to pay jizya. In some periods, jizya existed alongside other taxes such as kharaj, and the exact implementation depended on local rulers and administrative practices.

Purpose and impact. The tax served as a source of revenue for the state and was framed as compensation for protection and the obligation to tolerate religious practice within a Muslim-ruled polity. In return, dhimmi communities usually retained a degree of communal autonomy and rights to worship according to their faith.

Modern status. In the modern era, jizya has largely fallen into disuse or been abolished in virtually all states, which typically guarantee equal citizenship and rights regardless of religion. The topic remains a subject of historical study and contemporary debate about religious minority status and state obligations.