Reviewing the Opinions of Humiliating People under Protection by Tributary Tax

Regarding the interactions with religious minorities, one of the criticisms of the Islamic jurisprudence that sometimes comes out by some non-Muslims researchers, especially western ones, is that fiqh has been looked down on them and considered them to be devoid of human dignity, so fiqh function toward Ahl al-Dhimma (people under protection) is humiliating. In support of their claims, they referred to jizya (tributary tax) issue. They claim that based on the analysis and evaluations of Islamic jurists, both Islamic legislation and the way that fiqh addressed the jizya was for humiliating the Ahl al-Dhimma. Some have said that jizya is the same as blackmail which were taken from defeated nations by the conquerors as coercion and character assassination. This action is also degrading and humiliating. Some others have considered the humiliating of Ahl al-Dhimma in order to attract them to Islam. This saying has led to other criticism. Having answered to these doubts, this study sought to indicate the rational and logical image of jizya and explain this fact that payment of jizya is just for the services and supports that the Islamic government provides for the Ahl al-Dhimma without any criticism. Key Words:  Jizya (tributary tax)  Ahl al-Dhimma (people under protection), Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book), Infidel, Religious Minorities.