BOB KLAHN wrote to ALL <=-
I couldn't care less what they do to the BoM. Their actions
aren't the same as Islam requiring me to be subjugated and
pay "jizya" (poll tax) to the Muslim overlords.
Since "Islam" does not require any such thing, you need a
reality check.
Islam does require the tax in Muslim countries. Muslims
pay zakat, People of the Book and nonbelievers pay jizya.
My understanding is, however, that some countries no longer
strictly follow the rules of zakat and jizya (maybe having
a newer tax structure?), but there are still some which do.
The rules have changed over time, and likely are different
now than they once were; for instance, once, moving away
from Muslim territory was punishable by enslavement were
they caught.
Ok, did a bit more research. I have yet to figure out how you
have a 'poll tax' without a vote. See, I understand a poll tax
as a tax to be allowed to vote. Is there any other form?
What I find is the term "poll tax" seems to be a misnomer. It's
just a tax.
I also found, the tax included an exemption to military service.
Which implies Muslims had universal military service, at least
in the early days.
Also, I wonder about the word 'jizya'. Why do they use that word
instead of translating it? I wonder if that has changed over the
centuries. I did find, the 'jizya' is Sunni, not just Islamic.
The Shia have a different system. Which makes me think the term
"jizya" was Sunni also, perhaps something changed over the
centuries, originally meaning something else.
Many Islamic majority countries are officially secular. I posted
something on this a while back. And don't forget, Sharia is
unique to every Islamic group. Even among the same branch of
Islam Sharia differs from community to community.
Now, moving away from Muslim territory for who? Muslims or
non-Muslims? From what I have read leaving Muslim territory was
always the proper alternative to paying the tax.
OTOH, again, national law might well be different. For example,
non-Muslims are supposed to be able to practice their relgion,
but Saud Arabia is clearly in violation of that rule.
A big difference is, Zakat is like a tithe, and is given to the
poor. One of the pillars of Islam. This may not be adhered to in
many countries, as Muslims actually seem to be no more able to
follow the teachings of their own religion than Christians are.
Summary: The whole thing seems to depend on the Islamic group in
question.
BOB KLAHN
bob.klahn@sev.org http://home.toltbbs.com/bobklahn
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