What is the story of returning Jiziah (tax) to non-Muslims when Muslims were unable to defend them?

The concept of jizyah, or a tax imposed on non-Muslims living under Islamic rule, has its roots in several Qur'anic verses and is discussed in various hadiths. The practice is primarily linked to the idea that non-Muslims are offered protection in exchange for this tax. The story of returning jizyah to non-Muslims when Muslims were unable to defend them illustrates the responsibilities and ethical considerations within Islamic governance.

The Qur'an states, Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low. 9:29. This verse emphasizes the conditions under which jizyah is collected, highlighting that it should be taken from those who do not adhere to the Islamic faith and do not respect its laws.

In Islamic history, there are accounts where the jizyah was returned to non-Muslims under specific circumstances. For instance, if Muslims were unable to protect non-Muslim citizens from external threats or invasions, it was considered unjust to retain the jizyah. The rationale is that the jizyah was meant to provide mutual protection; if that protection was not upheld, the basis for the tax was nullified.

One narration from Al-Kafi mentions a conversation where it was clarified that if non-Muslims were not defended, then it was permissible to return their jizyah. This reflects a profound sense of justice and accountability in Islamic governance, indicating that the state has a duty to provide protection to all its citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Additionally, historical practices by caliphs like Umar ibn al-Khattab emphasize this principle. He is known to have returned jizyah to certain groups when they were unable to receive the protection they were promised, demonstrating a commitment to ethical governance. This illustrates that the imposition of jizyah was not merely a financial obligation but part of a broader social contract that required the Muslim state to ensure the safety and security of its inhabitants.

Thus, the story of returning jizyah when Muslims could not defend non-Muslims highlights the importance of justice, accountability, and the ethical responsibilities of leadership in Islam.