Am I Obligated to Pay Taxes to a Government That Supports Israel?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

Am I obligated to pay taxes in Germany, considering the government funds weapon exports and financial aid to Israel, actions I don’t support?

I know I’m not directly responsible, but I hesitate to contribute to these policies, especially when I can legally avoid certain taxes.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah. May Allah bless you both for your concern for truth and justice, and for seeking to uphold it in accordance with what is Pleasing to Allah and corresponds to His Commands.

The first principle is that the believer fulfills all commitments. Allah Most High says,

“O you who believe, fulfill your binding obligations.” [Quran, 5:1; Keller, Quran Beheld]

The Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him) said,

“There is no faith in one who isn’t trustworthy, and no religion in one who doesn’t fulfill their commitments.” [Ahmad]

Imam Abd al-Ra’uf al-Munawi (Allah have mercy upon him) says, “Trust is the essence of faith, and it for faith as the heart is for the body.” [Munawi, Fayd al-Qadir]

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said,

“Muslims firmly fulfill their commitments.”[Ahmad and others]

However, one can take the legal means of minimizing the taxes one has to pay.

With this, one should raise awareness and lobby one’s government to change its policies—and support the organizations engaged in this.

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.