Jizya historical intro
editMuhammad's relations with the Jews of Medina, a politically prominent group who had categorically rejected his claim to prophethood, were marked by discord and progressive deterioration.[1] In the course of consolidating his power, he charged them with having connived with his Meccan enemies[2] and in turn, exiled two major Jewish clans and liquidated a third. Expanding his sway northwards, on another charge of perfidy Muhammad reduced the Jews of Khaybar to tenancy, liable for half their produce. The conquest of Khaybar apparently convinced other northern Jewish communities to accept similar terms without a fight.[3] Draconian settlements on Jews ended with the Tabuk campaign, where Muhammad enunciated his policy towards the Jewish and Christian communities further north in letters of security issued to them. These letters, which are the earliest documentary evidence of terms such as dhimma and jizya,[4] offered a pact whereby the communities would refrain from bearing arms and pay a special tax in return for protection and security. Settlements with non-Muslim communities during the subsequent great conquests were to follow this new paradigm.[5]
- ^ "The parts of the Qur'an revealed at Medina show a notable hardening of attitudes towards contemporary Jews", FE Peters, The Monotheists: Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Conflict and Competition, p.101
- ^ FE Peters, The Monotheists, p.273
- ^ M Rodinson, Muhammad, p.254
- ^ The revelation of Qur'an 9:29, which has the word jizya, is also commonly dated to this time.
- ^ M Gil, A History of Palestine: 634-1099, p.28-30