Why is Jizya necessary if there is no compulsion of religion?
The concept of jizya, a tax levied on non-Muslims living in an Islamic state, has been a subject of discussion among scholars, particularly in relation to the verse that states, There is no compulsion in religion.
2:256. This verse emphasizes the principle that faith should be a matter of personal choice, and no one should be forced to convert to Islam.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that jizya serves as a recognition of the social contract between the Islamic state and its non-Muslim citizens, who are allowed to practice their religion freely. The jizya is a form of taxation that provides protection and allows non-Muslims to live under Islamic governance without being compelled to convert. This is reflected in the verse, where Allah indicates that faith should be chosen freely, separating truth from error, thus reinforcing that the imposition of jizya does not contradict the principle of religious freedom.
Additionally, Majma al-Bayan notes that while jizya is a tax, it is not merely a financial obligation but also a symbol of the non-Muslims’ acceptance of the state's authority and the protections it offers. This perspective implies that the payment of jizya is associated with benefits, such as security and the right to practice one's faith without coercion.
In this regard, the necessity of jizya arises from the need to maintain a structured society where both Muslims and non-Muslims can coexist, ensuring that the latter contribute to the state while enjoying the freedoms granted to them. Thus, jizya can be seen as a practical implementation of the principle that there is no compulsion in religion, allowing for a regulated coexistence between different faiths within an Islamic framework.
Sources
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2:256 · Al-Baqara
2:256 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
لَآ إِكْرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ ٱلرُّشْدُ مِنَ ٱلْغَىِّ ۚ فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِٱلطَّٰغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسْتَمْسَكَ بِٱلْعُرْوَةِ ٱلْوُثْقَىٰ لَا ٱنفِصَامَ لَهَا ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
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Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 2:256
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 2:256
God says in this verse, "There is no compulsion in religion," meaning that no one should be forced to enter Islam, for its proofs and evidences are clear and manifest. It does not require coercion because those whom God guides to Islam have their hearts opened and their insight enlightened, so they enter willingly and with clear understanding. Conversely, for those whose hearts God has sealed, forcing them into the religion will benefit them nothing. It is reported that this verse was revealed concerning some of the Ansar (the helpers in Medina). When the tribe of Banu Nadhir was expelled, some of their sons were among the Ansar, and their families said they would not abandon their children even if they refused Islam. This situation prompted the revelation of this verse, although its ruling applies generally. Ibn Jarir narrates from Ibn 'Abbas that some women used to threaten to raise their children as Jews if they were born. When Banu Nadhir was expelled, some Ansari sons were in their company, and the Ansar declared refusal to abandon their children. Hence, God revealed: "There is no compulsion in religion..." This narration is found in collections of hadith, reported from various chains including from Sa'id ibn Jubayr, Abu Bishr, and Shu'bah. Mujahid, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, Al-Sha'bi, Al-Hasan Al-Basri, and others confirm the verse's revelation in this context. Another report by Muhammad ibn Ishaq on authority of Ibn Abbas mentions a man from the Ansar known as Al-Husayni, who had two Christian sons refusing to accept Islam. He asked the Prophet if he could coerce them, whereupon this verse was revealed. Furthermore, Ibn Abi Hatim relays a report from a Christian slave named Usqu under Umar ibn Al-Khattab who repeatedly rejected Islam, illustrating that the Prophet invited people to Islam but did not compel them. Many scholars hold that this verse is applicable to the People of the Book and those living under dhimmi status before the abrogation of such rules by verses commanding fighting and invitation to Islam. Others argue that it was abrogated by verses that require all to enter the true religion or pay the tribute, and refusal results in fighting until death. True compulsion is thus understood within the context of enforcement of Islam as the state religion, not individual coercion. The Prophet’s approach was invitation and persuasion. Regarding the continuation: "Whoever rejects false deities and believes in God has grasped a firm handhold that will never break. God is Hearing and Knowing." This means that to reject all false gods and what Satan calls to be worshipped besides God, to affirm His Oneness and worship Him alone, is to hold onto the most secure bond in religion firmly and unbreakably. Various scholars interpret the "firm handhold": Mujahid says it refers to faith; Al-Suddi to Islam; Sa'id ibn Jubayr and Ad-Dahhak to the testimony "There is no god but God"; Anas ibn Malik to the Qur'an; and Salim ibn Abi Al-Ja'd to love and hatred for the sake of God. These interpretations are compatible and mutually supportive. Mu'adh ibn Jabal explains that the phrase "no breaking of the bond" means no separation from this firm hold without entering Paradise. The verse underscores stability and permanence in faith and belief, supported by God's knowledge and listening. Ibn Umar and other early Muslim authorities have linked it to the idea that God does not change the state of a people until they change themselves. A hadith cited by Imam Ahmad recounts a man feeling reluctant to embrace Islam but the Prophet encouraged him to accept despite his dislike, promising that God will reward him for his good intentions and sincerity. The overall message: Islam is to be embraced through free will, except after the establishment of the religion by authority, where worldly rules and treaties come into effect. The verse affirms clarity of the true religion and forbids forcing anyone into it against their will, since guidance and faith come from God. The tafsir concludes with the emphasis on steadfastness in Islam called "the firm handhold," and the certainty granted by God's knowledge and support, urging believers to hold on firmly to their faith until death.
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