Theory of Taxation in Islam
Some scholars believe that imposing any tax other than Zakat is against Islamic principles.
According to them, any form of taxation would be unjustified.
During the Prophet Muhammad's (S.A.W) time, no tax other than Zakat was levied by the
state. Even during times of famine and other emergencies, no taxes were imposed. The
Prophet (S.A.W) and his companions often endured starvation, and the Ahl-i-Sufa, who
dedicated themselves to religious education, also needed financial help. Despite these
hardships, no taxes were levied.
Similarly, Hazrat Abu Musa (RA) recounted that during the Battle of al-Rakaa, there was one
camel for every six people, and they took turns riding it. Their feet were injured, and their
toenails split from the skin. They wrapped their feet in rags due to the hardship of walking.
[Sahih Bukhari]
A long time ago, a man from the Ansari tribe went to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) asking for help. The Prophet told him to work to support himself and his family. The man
had a cloak and a water bottle, so the Prophet suggested he sell them to buy an axe. Then,
he told the man to go to the forest, cut down some trees, and sell the wood in the market to
earn a living. This way, the man could take care of his family without relying on others for
help.
Manzar Kahf writes that this episode makes it clear that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) did not like
to impose taxes to solve problems like debt relief and creating employment opportunities for
the people.
1. Makas (Al-Makas, Al-Makaas):
Some scholars believe that imposing any tax other than Zakat is against Islamic principles.
According to them, any form of taxation would be unjustified.
During the Prophet Muhammad's (S.A.W) time, no tax other than Zakat was levied by the
state. Even during times of famine and other emergencies, no taxes were imposed. The
Prophet (S.A.W) and his companions often endured starvation, and the Ahl-i-Sufa, who
dedicated themselves to religious education, also needed financial help. Despite these
hardships, no taxes were levied.
Similarly, Hazrat Abu Musa (RA) recounted that during the Battle of al-Rakaa, there was one
camel for every six people, and they took turns riding it. Their feet were injured, and their
toenails split from the skin. They wrapped their feet in rags due to the hardship of walking.
[Sahih Bukhari]
A long time ago, a man from the Ansari tribe went to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) asking for help. The Prophet told him to work to support himself and his family. The man
had a cloak and a water bottle, so the Prophet suggested he sell them to buy an axe. Then,
he told the man to go to the forest, cut down some trees, and sell the wood in the market to
earn a living. This way, the man could take care of his family without relying on others for
help.
Manzar Kahf writes that this episode makes it clear that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) did not like
to impose taxes to solve problems like debt relief and creating employment opportunities for
the people.
1. Makas (Al-Makas, Al-Makaas):
