the edge of his hand; rather, we take hold of his hand and pull it forcefully. All of this, as mentioned before, is for the purpose of honoring and elevating Islam, so that the word of Allah may be supreme.

Some scholars said: They should not be treated in this manner. Rather, they are to be treated with a degree of humiliation, without making them stand for an extended period or pulling their hands. Instead, it should be received from them in an ordinary manner, on condition that we do not show them honor. It is sufficient that they bring it to us.

If someone were to ask: Is it permissible for one of them to send his servant or his son with it?

The answer is: No, because Allah, Most High, says:

“Until they pay the jizyah directly, while they are humbled.” [al-Tawbah 9:29]

Does the phrase “directly” mean from a position of strength, or hand to hand, or both?

The answer is: Both. For we have a principle in Quranic exegesis: whenever a verse can bear two meanings that do not conflict, it must be understood as encompassing them both, because that is more inclusive. The more comprehensive the indication of a verse, the more appropriate it is to adopt it. Thus, “directly” means that they pay it with their own hands.

The second meaning of “directly” is: from a position of strength—that is, we demonstrate strength to them and show that we are above them.