* This proclamation was made as a response to the massacre of the peaceful people of Banu Khuza‘a, who, according to the Treaty of Hudaybiya, were allies of the state of Medina. The Quraysh supported the people of Banu Bakr with arms and men in launching a murderous attack on Banu Khuza‘a. As a result of this act, many innocent people were killed, while others were persecuted, tortured and detained. This act of breaching the Treaty of Hudaybiya absolved the state of Medina from all obligations. Hence, verses 1–16 were revealed in this historical context, referring to a specific event, and do not apply to non-Muslims in general.
* In this case, the Muslims do not need a separate treaty to establish peaceful relations with them. Their embracing Islam will serve as a peace treaty unless they do not betray their commitments.
* It was from the year 9 AH onwards.
* Jizya legally refers to an indemnity tax received from non-Muslim combatants who surrendered to the Muslim State through a treaty, demanding their security, indemnity from military services and exemption from prescribed alms, payable to the state. These non-Muslims were not citizens of the state; instead, they were security seekers after surrendering from the battlefield. They used to contribute tax to military defence for their exemption from army services, whereas, in contrast, Muslim citizens would offer their personal services for the protection of the state whenever invaded by their enemies. The Jizya tax would also exempt those non-Muslims from Zakat and Kharaj taxes (trade and agricultural taxes), which were obligatory for Muslims. This particular category of non-Muslims, being non-citizens, were known as ‘Treaty People’ (Ahl al-Dhimma) or ‘Covenant Holders’. The Islamic State would provide them with all rights of security, equality and freedom against the tax, known as Jizya, which means reward or compensation. Women, children, the elderly, the clergy, the poor, the sick and those unable to work were exempt from this tax. Those who opted to join the army were also exempt. Instead, the poor among them were supported financially by the state. The Muslim rulers would refund the Jizya, if they failed to protect their lives or possessions. This kind of taxation system has existed since ancient times; the Old Testament and the New Testament in the Bible provide several references regarding this practice. Islam did not introduce it; instead, Islam introduced many humanitarian reforms in this old existing tradition among the nations. This term does not entail disgrace, inequality or humiliation of non-Muslims, nor does it uniformly apply to any non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state. ** This verse refers to a retributive or punitive action taken against certain tribes, such as Qurayza and al-Nadir, who, in violation of the terms of alliance and the constitution, had supported the Meccan armies during their invasions of Medina, particularly in the battle of the confederates (al-Ahzab) by mobilizing them and providing them arms, ammunition and strategic information. Such punitive action against any party who breached the peace treaty and acted treacherously was repeatedly demanded in various articles of the constitution of Medina, jointly signed by the Jews and the Muslims years before.
* Firstly, they were identified and the Holy Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) expelled them from the Mosque pointing them out by name during his Friday address. This was the first torment in the form of humiliation and ignominy. Secondly, they were punished through fighting and killings, for which the command came later.
* It entails that the Muslims are not allowed to fight non-combatant disbelievers, who are not engaged in warfare.