Definition
Kharāj (خراج): A traditional tax or tribute imposed on landowners, notably from non-Muslim tribes, in early Islamic societies. Over time, it generalized into a tax on agricultural land payable to the state.
Etymology
The term Kharāj is derived from Arabic root خَرَجَ (kharaja), meaning “to issue, come out, or exit.” The noun form signifies “what is due or brought forth,” reflecting the nature of this mechanism as a form of rent or tax yielding state revenue.
Background
Kharāj originated in the early Islamic caliphates, seen as both a practical economic tool and a means of demonstrating or extending dominance over conquered non-Muslim territories. It was first significantly conceptualized in the Hidāyah— an authoritative Hanafi scholarly text. Over time, the imposition of Kharāj shifted to become a general land tax irrespective of the taxpayer’s religion.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Similarities:
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Revenue Generation: Analogous to land taxes in other cultures like the Roman tributum or feudal European property taxes, kharāj primarily served to generate state revenue.
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Integration of Conquered Lands: Similar to other ancient and medieval empires that used taxation to integrate conquered territories into their empires economically.
Differences:
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Religion-Based Origins: Initially applied predominantly to non-Muslim citizens, whereas many other ancient land taxes didn’t distinguish clearly between religious affiliations.
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Land vs Personal Wealth: In some times and places, Islamic taxes like zakat were more focused on personal wealth, while Kharāj specifically targeted land ownership.
Synonyms
- Land Tribute
- Agricultural Poll-Tax
Antonyms
- Lā-Kharāj (لا-خراج): Lands exempt from any tax.
Related Terms
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Zakat (زكاة): An obligatory charity given based on wealth.
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Jizya (جزية): A tax paid by non-Muslim citizens in an Islamic state for protection and maintenance of some religious autonomy.
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Ushr (عشر): A 10% land tax applied to Muslim landowners’ produce.
Exciting Facts
- In the time of the Umayyad caliphate, collected Kharāj significantly contributed to state infrastructure development.
- The tax rate varied based on crop and land fertility, highlighting agrarian economic policies of Islamic rulers.
- With fair administration, certain areas saw improved agricultural productivity and land sustainability under the Kharāj system.
Quotations
“The exaction of Kharāj and the measure of it we reckon through justice for it is our guardianship upon lands.” — Imam al-Marghinani, Hidāyah
Suggested Literature and Further Study
- “The Early Islamic Conquests” by Fred M. Donner
- “Taxation in Islam” by Arif Ahmed
- “The Formation of Islam” by Jonathan P. Berkey
- “Encyclopedia of Islamic History” edited by R. B. Serjeant
- “Islamic Economics: A Survey of the Literature” by Monzer Kahf
Farewell Note
May this delve into the concept of Kharāj (خراج) enlighten you about the meticulous thought and administration in early Islamic socio-economic policies. May you find inspiration as you contemplate how our historical legacies shape the present and forge the future.
