The X post below calls this a modern form of jizya, and that’s a reasonable interpretation. Islamic apologists in the West like to insist that the Qur’anic stipulation that Muslims must collect the jizya from subjugated non-Muslims is outmoded and has no modern applicability. They don’t seem to have gotten the message in Syria. In July 2025, Muslims murdered a Christian goldsmith after he refused to pay “protection money,” which was clearly jizya.
Non-Muslims paying for the upkeep of Muslims is a Qur’anic dictate:
“Fight against those do not believe in Allah or the last day, and do not forbid what Allah and his messenger have forbidden, and do not follow the religion of truth, even if they are among the people of the book, until they pay the jizya with willing submission and feel themselves subdued.” (Qur’an 9:29).
The caliph Umar said the jizya payments from the dhimmis were the source of the Muslims’ livelihood:
“Narrated Juwairiya bin Qudama at-Tamimi: We said to `Umar bin Al-Khattab, ‘O Chief of the believers! Advise us.’ He said, ‘I advise you to fulfill Allah’s Convention (made with the Dhimmis) as it is the convention of your Prophet and the source of the livelihood of your dependents (i.e. the taxes from the Dhimmis.)’” (Bukhari 4.53.388)
There is also the fact that Islamic law allows for the kidnapping and ransom of Infidels:
“Now when you meet the unbelievers, strike the necks until, when you have subdued them, then make fast the bonds, and afterward either generosity or ransom until the war lays down its burdens.” (Qur’an 47:4)
“As for the captives, the amir [ruler] has the choice of taking the most beneficial action of four possibilities: the first to put them to death by cutting their necks; the second, to enslave them and apply the laws of slavery regarding their sale and manumission; the third, to ransom them in exchange for goods or prisoners; and fourth, to show favor to them and pardon them. Allah, may he be exalted, says, ‘When you encounter those [infidels] who deny [the Truth=Islam] then strike [their] necks’ (Qur’an sura 47, verse 4)” — Al-Mawardi, al-Ahkam as-Sultaniyyah (The Laws of Islamic Governance).
Antiochian Greek Orthodox Christian Kidnapped in Syria — A Modern-Day Jizya
Maher Nours Sankari, an Antiochian Greek Orthodox goldsmith from al-Suqaylabiyah, Syria, was abducted by masked men on October 19, 2026. His kidnappers demanded over 120 kilograms of gold as ransom.
His abduction highlights the growing threat of kidnapping and extortion targeting Syria’s Christians, resembling a modern form of Jizya.
This video captures a special prayer during the Divine Liturgy at Saints Peter and Paul Church, where Maher’s family and fellow worshippers gathered to pray for his safe return.
Lord, have mercy. Bring Maher home safely.
— Greco-Levantines
— Greco-Levantines World Wide (@GrecoLevantines) November 10, 2026
Taffy says
120 Kgs. = 3858 Troy ounces. The current spot price of gold is $3,884 per ounce.
So, they were demanding 3858 ounces x $3884 per ounce = ~ $15 million in gold..
Raja says
Taffy, This also ensures the Christians will vacate the land in the medium term. The media is corrupted they can’t see this genocide coming.
Here in this case, even if he pays up that USD 15 million he might be killed anyhow because he is hateworthy.
So, the ISIS style operation can happen anywhere in islamic countries, that’s the message I’m getting.
Rob Porter says
“The caliph Umar said the jizya payments from the dhimmis ‘were the source of the Muslims’ livelihood”:
Of course, when you are useless at pretty much everything, invent nothing, produce little, then you resort to theft and call it jizya because you are part of the most useless master race the world has ever seen.