Sikhs in Pakistan pay Rs2 crore in Jizya for their safety
The Shariat followers and the Islamic rulers (from Mughals, except Akbar, to Taliban) have always subjugated the non-Muslims. Any discussion of Islamic “love” for non-Muslims somehow does not bear itself out in practice in practical governance around the world.
Now, that Pakistan is under Taliban in the Swat and NWFP areas, the nightmare of the non-Muslims will come alive. Hindus have already left or are leaving the area. Now, the news comes that Sikhs have paid Rs. 2 crores (20 million) as Jizya to escape Taliban brutality. Taliban was occupying the houses of the 35 Sikh families for days and demanding a sum of Rs 5 crores, before they negotiated and agreed to a ransom (ok, they call it by that crooked and derogatory term – Jizya) of Rs. 2 crores.
The Practice of Jizya comes from Qur’an 9:29. Below are three interpretations of this verse by three different authorities. Its not just what the Quran says about how to treat the non-Muslims but also how these verses are interpreted by the Islamic authorities that make complete mockery of those who say Taliban is not “following Quran and Islamic jurisprudence”. Here, is one of the pronouncements and a link to more.
Al-Zamakhshari, a Mu’tazili author of a commentary on the Qur’an, said that “the Jizyah shall be taken from them with belittlement and humiliation. The dhimmi shall come in person, walking not riding. When he pays, he shall stand, while the tax collector sits. The collector shall seize him by the scruff of the neck, shake him, and say “Pay the Jizyah!” and when he pays it he shall be slapped on the nape of the neck.”
Like we have said before, there is a strong case for re-evaluating some of the religious tenets and even strictures in the scriptures so that they are more humane and befitting of the mankind that we want our world to be. How long would the historic madness keep polluting our minds to a point where we have to treat each other with contempt and threats?
Interpretation of Quran 9:029
YUSUFALI: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
PICKTHAL: Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low.
SHAKIR: Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Messenger have prohibited, nor follow the religion of truth, out of those who have been given the Book, until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state of subjection.
Reference Links:
1. Sikhs pay Rs 20m ‘tax’ to Taliban in Pak’s Aurakzai
2. Islamic Legal Commentary on Jizya
3. Translation of Quran 9.029