Main Topic
The administration of Jizya (poll tax) during the Khilafat of Sayyidina Umar Radiallahu Anhu, illustrating the justice, caution, and compassion of Islamic governance toward non-Muslim citizens (Zimmis), followed by advice on worldly dealings and the virtues of Durood Sharif.
Key Lessons
- Caution in Religion: Sayyidina Umar Radiallahu Anhu hesitated to collect Jizya from fire-worshippers until Sayyidina Abdul Rahman bin Auf Radiallahu Anhu testified that Nabi Kareem Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam had done so, proving that early rulers prioritised divine command over revenue.
- Fairness of Jizya: Jizya was only levied on free, sane, adult men capable of paying. Women, children, slaves, the poor, and the chronically ill were exempt.
- Duty of Protection: Jizya was paid in exchange for protection and exemption from military service. When Sayyidina Abu Ubaidah Radiallahu Anhu could not protect certain towns, he refunded their Jizya, earning the affection and supplications of non-Muslim subjects.
- Avoiding Greed in Dunya: Muslims should prefer others over themselves in worldly disputes rather than fighting over wealth.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Hadith of Sayyidina Abdul Rahman bin Auf Radiallahu Anhu testifying that Nabi Kareem Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam collected Jizya from the fire-worshippers of Hajar.
- Virtue of reciting 1,000 Durood Sharif on Fridays: a person will not pass away until shown their abode in Jannat.
Practical Advice
- Be exceptionally fair and generous in personal and business dealings; always give others the benefit when sharing or settling property/money.
- Make a habit of reciting extra Durood Sharif every Friday, aiming for a minimum of 1,000 times between Thursday sunset and Friday sunset.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb