Kalamista

Jizya & Zakat: The Surprising Fiscal Systems of Islamic States and the "Tax Haven" Myth

Historical Islamic states developed sophisticated fiscal systems that were integral to their governance and societal structure. Among the most fundamental components of this system were Jizya and Zakat, two distinct forms of taxation with profound religious, economic, and social implications. While both contributed to the public treasury, known as the Bayt al-Mal, their purposes, obligations, and the authority exercised by Muslim rulers over them differed significantly. This report delves into these distinctions, examining the compulsory nature and severe consequences of Zakat non-payment, and evaluating the proposition that the Islamic taxation system, coupled with specific economic freedoms granted to non-Muslim subjects, might have rendered Islamic lands economically attractive—a "tax haven"—for religious minorities residing in neighboring empires such as the Byzantine and Sasanian.

Unveiling Consequences: The Surprising Truth About Face Veil Bans and Social Impact

Hidden Voices: Unearthing Jewish Poetry and Life in Pre-Islamic Arabia

Re-evaluating Early Jewish-Arab Conflicts in Pre-Islamic and Early Islamic Arabia

The historical trajectory of Jewish-Arab relations in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly during the pre-Islamic and early Islamic periods, is a subject often characterised by oversimplification and misinterpretation. This report undertakes a comprehensive academic analysis, drawing upon archaeological findings and early Islamic historiographical sources, to provide a nuanced understanding of the socio-political and economic dynamics that shaped these interactions. The objective is to challenge prevailing misconceptions, particularly concerning the nature and scale of violence against Jewish communities, and to contextualise major conflicts within the broader historical practices of the 7th-century Near East.

The "Haredi Benchmark": Rethinking Integration Standards for Muslim Communities In the West

This episode explores how the Western approach to Haredi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) communal autonomy can inform more equitable policies toward non-Westernised Muslim communities, particularly Salafis. 
 

The AI Counter-Strike: Fighting Online Extremism with Generative Audio

The proliferation of extremist ideologies across digital platforms has created an urgent need for scalable counter-narrative strategies that can match the volume and sophistication of contemporary propaganda efforts. This episode examines the potential of artificial intelligence-generated podcasts and radio programs as transformative tools for countering radicalisation, propaganda, and disinformation, with a particular focus on Muslim-identified and European race-supremacist extremism.

Iran, Israel, and the Bomb: Beyond the Existential Threat

In this urgent and timely episode, we delve into the escalating tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program and the profound implications for regional and global security.