This comprehensive guide will delve into the Quran Chapter 9, Verse 29, thoroughly analyzing its meaning, context, and significance. This verse holds great importance in Islamic scripture and is often a topic of discussion and interpretation among scholars and followers of the faith. Explore this verse in detail to better understand its teachings and implications.
What is Quran Chapter 9, Verse 29?
Quran Chapter 9 Verse 29, also known as Surah At-Tawbah, verse 29, is a significant passage within the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The verse is as follows:
قَاتِلُوا الَّذِیۡنَ لَا یُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ بِاللّٰہِ وَ لَا بِالۡیَوۡمِ الۡاٰخِرِ وَ لَا یُحَرِّمُوۡنَ مَا حَرَّمَ اللّٰہُ وَ رَسُوۡلُہٗ وَ لَا یَدِیۡنُوۡنَ دِیۡنَ الۡحَقِّ مِنَ الَّذِیۡنَ اُوۡتُوا الۡکِتٰبَ حَتّٰی یُعۡطُوا الۡجِزۡیَۃَ عَنۡ یَّدٍ وَّ ہُمۡ صٰغِرُوۡنَ(O Muslims!) Wage (also a defensive) war against those of the People of the Book who (infringed the peace treaty signed with you in Medina, and despite being in exile, provided full support to the disbelieving Meccan invaders who imposed the battle of al-Ahzab [the Confederates] on Medina, and have continued every possible conspiracy against you even now). They do not have faith in Allah and the Last Day, and do not consider unlawful the things Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) have declared unlawful, and do not adopt the true Religion until they give in and surrender (to the state and constitution), by paying the state security tax with their own hands (in case of exemption from military services).
Context and Background
To understand the meaning of Quran Chapter 9 Verse 29, it’s essential to consider the historical context in which it was revealed. This verse was revealed in the context of ongoing conflicts between the early Muslim community in Medina and various tribes and communities in the Arabian Peninsula. The verse addresses the issue of warfare and self-defense in the face of persecution and aggression.
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Muslim community faced hostility and opposition from those who rejected the message of Islam. As a result, Muslims were permitted to defend themselves and their faith against external threats and oppression. Quran Chapter 9, Verse 29 outlines defensive warfare principles and non-Muslim treatment during conflict.
Key Themes and Interpretations
Fighting in Defense of Faith
The primary theme of Quran Chapter 9, Verse 29, is the permissibility of defensive warfare in Islam. The verse instructs believers to “fight those who do not believe in Allah or the Last Day” and who oppose the teachings of Islam. However, it’s important to note that the verse emphasizes fighting against aggressors who initiate hostilities against Muslims rather than advocating aggression or violence against innocent individuals.
Payment of Jizyah
The verse also mentions the payment of Jizyah, a tax levied on non-Muslims living in Islamic territories. Jizyah is a form of protection tax paid by non-Muslims in exchange for the protection and security provided by the Muslim state. Jizyah is voluntary and serves as a sign of submission to the authority of the Islamic state.
Respect for Religious Diversity
While Quran Chapter 9 Verse 29 addresses the issue of warfare and self-defence, it also underscores the importance of respecting religious diversity and coexisting peacefully with people of other faiths. The verse emphasizes the need for tolerance and mutual respect, even in conflict, and encourages dialogue and understanding between different religious communities.
Quran Chapter 9 Verse 29 pictorial form
In the previous verses, Allah Almighty had stated the rules of the polytheists that after nine AH they will not be allowed to come to the Sacred Mosque for Hajj and Umrah, nor is it permissible for the polytheists to build mosques.
And that the polytheists were, if found, it is obligatory to kill them. Allah is stating the command of the People, fight them until they pay the Jizyah with humiliation.
Literal &Terminological Meaning of Jizyah
- Allama Abu Ubaid Al-Qasim bin Salam Harvi has written that the literal meaning of Jizya is contentment.
- Allama Ragheb Isfahani has written that Jizya is the money taken from those responsible and is enough to protect their lives.
- Imam Razi has narrated from Wahid that Jizyah means to pay an obligation. In a literal sense, Jizya is the amount the dhimmi pays for protection.
- Allama Aladdin Muhammad ibn Ali al-Haskafi al-Hanafi writes: The literal meaning of Jizya is al-jaza ‘, meaning revenge, and it is a substitute for killing because when a dhimmi pays Jizya, it abrogates killing. The amount of Jizyah is a punishment for the disbelief of the dhimmi.
The Jizyah will be Collected From
- According to Sunnah, Jizyah will be taken only from the People of the Book, whether Arabic or non-Arabic. Will be taken.
- Imam Malik’s Religion is that Jizyah will be taken from every disbeliever and polytheist except the apostate, even if his disbelief and polytheism are of any kind.
- Allama Aladdin Muhammad ibn Ali al-Haskafi al-Hanafi writes: The Jizyah will be imposed on the People of the Book, including the Jews of Samaria because they follow the law of Prophet Moses (PBUH), and the Christians will be appointed among them.
- Afrangi and Rumi are also included and as for Saiba, according to Imam Abu Hanifa, Jizyah will also be imposed on them because they are Jews or Christians, so they are included in the People of the Book.
- According to Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad, they are astrologers. And they are not included in the People of the Book, so that no Jizyah will be imposed on them, and Jizyah will be imposed on the Magians even if they are Arabic, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) had set Jizyah on the Magians of Hijr.
- Hazrat Amr ibn Aws narrates that Hazrat Umar (RA) did not accept Jizyah from Magus until Hazrat Abdul Rahman bin Awf (RA) gave this testimony. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) had received Jizyah from the Magus of Hajar.
The Amount of Jizya
- The jurists differ on the amount of Jizyah. Imam Shafi’i’s Religion is that one dinar will be fixed every year for the free and the adult, whether he is rich or poor. They argue that when Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) sent Mu’aadh to Yamen, he ordered him to receive one dinar or the equivalent of cloth from each adult.
- Imam Malik’s Religion is that those with gold will be charged four dinars per year, and those with silver will be charged forty dirham per year; there will be no excess or reduction. It is narrated in the same way from Hazrat Umar (RA).
- Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s Religion is that forty-eight dirhams will be taken annually from a rich man, twenty-four dirhams from an average, and twelve dirhams from a poor man.
- Allama Aladdin Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Haskafi writes: Twelve dirham’s per year will be taken from the poor, twenty-four dirham’s per year from the average, and forty-eight dirham’s per year from the rich, and whoever owns ten thousand dirham’s or more is rich. And he who owns two hundred dirham’s or more is average, and he who owns less than two hundred dirham’s or does not own anything is poor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does Quran Chapter 9, Verse 29 promote violence against non-Muslims?
A: No, Quran Chapter 9, Verse 29 does not promote violence against non-Muslims indiscriminately. The verse addresses explicitly defensive warfare against aggressors who pose a threat to the Muslim community and its faith. Islam advocates for peace and coexistence but also permits self-defence in the face of persecution.
Q: What is the significance of paying Jizyah? Jizyah is mentioned in the Quran Chapter 9, Verse 29.
A: The payment of Jizyah is a historical practice in Islam that served as a form of taxation for non-Muslims living under Islamic rule. Jizyah symbolizes the protection and rights afforded to non-Muslim citizens within an Islamic state while also contributing to the state’s financial resources.
Q: How should Muslims interpret Quran Chapter 9, Verse 29 in contemporary times?
A: Muslims interpret Quran Chapter 9, Verse 29 in light of its historical context and the principles of justice, mercy, and compassion emphasized in Islamic teachings. While the verse addresses warfare in specific circumstances, it does not condone violence or aggression against peaceful non-Muslims. Muslims strive to uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and respect for human dignity in all aspects of life.