Abolishing Jizya & War: The True Meaning of Yada’u al-Harb

Introduction

Abolishing Jizya means ending religious wars. In Islam, Jizya was a tax paid by non-Muslims in exchange for protection during times of war. When there is no religious war, there is no Jizya.

The 4-Fold Mission of the Promised Messiah (AS)

This article is part of our series on the four prophetic tasks of the Promised Messiah (AS) foretold in Hadith:

1. Breaking the Cross: The True Meaning of Kasr al-Salib
2. Killing the Swine: The True Meaning of Qatl al-Khinzir
3. Distributing Wealth: The True Meaning of Fayd al-Mal
4. Abolishing Jizya & War: The True Meaning of Yada’u al-Harb (Current Article)

For the comprehensive foundation on the descent of Isa (AS), read our main guide: How Will Isa (AS) Descend? The Reality of Nuzul Explained.

The Hadith: Yada’u al-Jizyah and Yada’u al-Harb

In Sahih al-Bukhari, the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated:

“…and he will abolish the Jizya…”

— Sahih al-Bukhari 2222

In authentic variants, such as in Musnad Ahmad, the Prophet ﷺ stated:

“…and he will put an end to war (yada’u al-harb)…”

— Musnad Ahmad 9349

Both narrations carry the same meaning. Some literalists claim the Messiah will force everyone to accept Islam at swordpoint and reject Jizya. But the Holy Quran explicitly commands: “There should be no compulsion in religion” ([Quran 2:257]). Jizya was a wartime tax for non-Muslims who were exempt from military service. When religious war ends, Jizya ends naturally.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS) Explaining the Prophecy

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS) explained that the Promised Messiah brings an end to religious wars:

“I have come to you with an order: jihad with the sword has ended from this time forward, but the jihad of purifying your souls must continue. I do not say this of my own accord. This is indeed the will of God. Recall the hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari which honours the Promised Messiah by saying yada-’ul-harb. That is to say, when the Messiah comes he will put an end to religious wars. Accordingly, I command those who have joined my ranks to refrain from all such thoughts, to purify their hearts, to foster sympathy, and to be compassionate towards the suffering.”

— [The British Government and Jihad, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 17, p. 29]

The battle of our time is fought through arguments and writing (Jihad of the Pen), not physical weapons. Because religious freedom exists and Islam is attacked with books and ideas, Muslims must defend Islam with proofs and wisdom.

Conclusion

The abolition of Jizya foretold an era of peace and intellectual debate. By declaring an end to religious bloodshed and raising the pen to defend Islam, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS) fulfilled the prophecy of yada’u al-harb.

To learn more about the descent of Jesus, read our master guide on How Will Isa (AS) Descend? The Reality of Nuzul Explained.