Is it permissible for the People of the Book to settle in the Arabian Peninsula while paying the jizyah? And what is the intended Arabian Peninsula?

The questioner : These people are permitted to reside in the Arabian Peninsula, provided that they pay the jizyah. Paying the jizyah means they live within the Islamic system.

The Shaykh : What is the Arabian Peninsula in its general meaning? The Arabian Peninsula has two divisions.

The questioner : Yes, that is right, exactly.

The Shaykh : The immediate understanding of the term "Arabian Peninsula" is the land of Sham.

The questioner : The land of Sham?

The Shaykh : Iraq, but the intended meaning is not the geographical one. The peninsula mentioned in the hadith is not intended in the geographical sense. Do you understand?

The questioner : By Allah, I have no idea if they expand the land of Sham and consider it part of the Arabian Peninsula.

Another questioner : What is the intended meaning of the hadith?

The questioner : No, is your statement that the land of Sham and Iraq are part of the Arabian Peninsula a new geographical fact for me?

The Shaykh : How? Why is this Arabian Peninsula called a peninsula because it is surrounded by water: the White Sea, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Gulf. If this is new to you, what is old to you? What is the Arabian Peninsula?

The questioner : The Arabian Peninsula means Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states, and Yemen. That is what I understand.

Another questioner : So that the matter becomes clear to us, what is the intended meaning of the Arabian Peninsula in Islamic law?

The Shaykh : I mentioned this and avoided going into detail because I do not have a clear opinion on the matter. But perhaps you remember with me that I mentioned Makkah, al-Madinah, Jeddah, and Yemen. There are also some Iraqi lands that are included in the name of the peninsula from which the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered the Jews and Christians to be expelled. However, I do not have a verified position on this because it is a disputed linguistic or customary issue, so I do not have a formed opinion on it. But there is consensus that the Arabian Peninsula in the hadith is not intended in its general sense. The Arabian Peninsula in the general concept is not intended by the hadith; rather, some of its lands are intended. I cannot provide you with a comprehensive and exclusive definition of this specific part, nor can I, and perhaps others cannot either, because the issue has been disputed since ancient times. But my previous statement distinguishes between the peninsula in the general sense and the peninsula in the specific legal sense. Is the division clear to you now?

Another questioner : Yes, it is clear.

The Shaykh : This division is good. So, in the general sense of the peninsula, Jews and Christians reside under the banner of Islam as dhimmis.

The questioner : Like the other dhimmis.

The Shaykh : That is correct. They pay the jizyah from the hand while they are humbled, but the peninsula in the legal sense is excluded from this general ruling, and we named for you Makkah, al-Madinah, Jeddah, and Yemen. These lands.

Another questioner : Are these names you mentioned explicitly stated in the texts?

The Shaykh : No, they are not explicitly stated, but they are agreed upon. It is not permissible for a dhimmi to settle in these lands. Do you understand?

Another questioner: Perfect.

The Shaykh : As they settle in the rest of the lands. This is the difference I have been talking about previously.

Another questioner : Is that clear?

The Shaykh : This is the meaning of the peninsula in the legal custom. The disbelievers can go and come, and I gave you the example of Muslims who go to the lands of disbelief. It is not permissible for them to settle there, but they can buy and sell, and so on. The exact opposite of that.