Jizya Tax
Definition
The jizya tax was a per capita yearly tax historically levied by Islamic states on certain non-Muslim subjects—dhimmis—permanently residing in Muslim lands under Islamic law.
Analogy
Imagine going to an amusement park with different rides for different age groups. If you're not tall enough for the big roller coaster, you still have to pay an entry fee but can't enjoy all the attractions. Similarly, non-Muslims had to pay the jizya tax but didn't get all the benefits Muslims did under Islamic rule.
Related terms
Dhimmi: Non-Muslim citizens of an Islamic state who were granted protection and certain freedoms but had to pay jizya tax.
Zakat: A form of alms-giving treated in Islam as a religious obligation or tax, which, by Quranic ranking, is next after prayer in importance.
Caliphate: An Islamic state under the leadership of an Islamic steward known as a caliph, a person considered a religious successor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad and a leader of the entire Muslim community.
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