Question
What is the ruling on tax system in Islam?
Islamic Ruling & Answer
VerifiedIn Islam, the main financial system is Zakat, which is obligatory on Muslims who meet the required wealth (nisab).
However, if an Islamic government faces serious need (like war, poverty, public welfare) and there is not enough money in the public treasury, many scholars have allowed taking extra tax from wealthy people but only with strict conditions:
It must not be unjust or oppressive
It should only be taken when truly necessary
It must be fair
It should not become permanent without need
Unjust and oppressive taxation is strictly forbidden in Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ warned strongly against wrongful tax collection:
Reference :
لا يدخل الجنة صاحب مكس
Translation:
The one who collects unjust taxes will not enter Paradise.
(Sunan Abi Dawud)
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
February 27, 2026
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