Zunar (Islamic Yellow-Badge Practices): Difference between revisions

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[[File:Coptic and Jewish Badges.jpg|thumb|right|230px|Left: Yellow badge made mandatory by the Nazis, worn to identify Jews in France. Right: 10th century badge incorporating a cross, worn to identify Christians in Egypt.]]
[[File:Coptic and Jewish Badges.jpg|thumb|right|230px|Left: Yellow badge made mandatory by the Nazis, worn to identify Jews in France. Right: 10th century badge incorporating a cross, worn to identify Christians in Egypt.]]
Traditional Islamic sources proscribe Islamic rulers to impose the [[Dhimmitude|dhimma]] or pact of "protection" upon non-believers living in their realms. This pact includes inter alia the responsibility of the protected dhimmis (Christians or Jews under the "protection" of the dhimma) to pay a special tax, not propagate their religion, not take Muslim women as wives, and also to wear special articles of clothing to distinguish them from non-Muslims inter alia. These articles of clothing took many forms, such as a special color of cloth or a specially colored belt, and may have influenced later European Christian traditions of enforcing special colors of clothing on non-believers, particularly Jews, and even the Nazi practice of forcing Jews to wear the "Judenstern" or yellow "Jew-star."
'''Zunār''' (زنار) was a wide yellow belt made of cloth. It was part of the clothing that [[non-Muslims]] under [[Dhimmitude]] were required to wear in order to differentiate themselves from Muslims.  
==Introduction==


The yellow badge (or yellow patch), also referred to as a Jewish badge, was a cloth patch that Jews were ordered to sew on their outer garments in order to mark them as Jews in public. It is intended to be a badge of shame associated with [[antisemitism]].<ref>"''But the wearing of a badge or outward sign — whose effect, intended or otherwise, successful or not, was to shame and to make vulnerable as well as to distinguish the wearer…''" - D'Ancona, Jacob (2003). The City Of Light. New York: Citadel. pp. 23–24. ISBN 0806524634.</ref>  
The requirement to wear it were dictated by Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, the second Rightly-guided [[Caliph]], and formed one of his many "well-known conditions" in the [[Pact of Umar]] (637 AD).<ref>[http://www.tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=9&tid=20986 Tafsir ibn Kathir - Paying Jizyah is a Sign of Kufr and Disgrace]</ref>


This badge, that was to be eventually used by the Nazis against the Jews, was actually first introduced by a Muslim [[caliph]] in Baghdad in the 9<sup>th</sup> century as a variant of the [[Zunar|zunnār]] belt. This then spread to the western world in medieval times.<ref name="Bernard Lewis">Bernard Lewis, [http://press.princeton.edu/titles/1434.html The Jews of Islam], Princeton University Press, June 1, 1987, ISBN 9780691008073, pp. 25-26.</ref>
The [[Yellow Badge|yellow badge]] that was to be eventually used by the Nazis as a badge of shame against the Jews was actually first introduced by a Muslim caliph in Baghdad in the 9<sup>th</sup> century as a variant of the zunār. This then spread to the western world during medieval times.<ref>Bernard Lewis - [http://press.princeton.edu/titles/1434.html The Jews of Islam] - Princeton University Press, June 1, 1987, pp. 25-26.</ref>


==Zunar==
As recently as 2001, Afghanistan's Hindus were required to wear yellow badges to segregate "un-Islamic" and "idolatrous" communities from [[Islam|Islamic]] ones.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/fyi/news/05/22/taleban.hindus/index.html|2=2012-05-14}} Taliban to mark Afghan Hindus] - CNN, May 22, 2001</ref><ref>Jack Kelley - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2001-05-22-talibanids.htm|2=2012-05-14}} Taliban: Hindus must wear identity labels] - USA TODAY, June 19, 2001</ref><ref>T.C. Malhotra - [{{Reference archive|1=http://cnsnews.com/news/article/us-lawmakers-condemn-taliban-treatment-hindus|2=2012-05-14}} US Lawmakers Condemn Taliban Treatment Of Hindus] - CNS News, July 7, 2008</ref>


'''Zunār''' (زنار) was a wide yellow belt made of cloth. It was part of the clothing that [[non-Muslims]] under [[Dhimmitude]] were required to wear in order to differentiate themselves from Muslims.  
Traditional Islamic sources proscribe Islamic rulers to impose the [[Dhimmitude|dhimma]] or pact of "protection" upon non-believers living in their realms. This pact includes inter alia the responsibility of the protected dhimmis (Christians or Jews under the "protection" of the dhimma) to pay a special tax, not propagate their religion, not take Muslim women as wives, and also to wear special articles of clothing to distinguish them from non-Muslims inter alia. These articles of clothing took many forms, such as a special color of cloth or a specially colored belt, and may have influenced later European Christian traditions of enforcing special colors of clothing on non-believers, particularly Jews, and even the Nazi practice of forcing Jews to wear the "Judenstern" or yellow "Jew-star."


The requirement to wear it were dictated by Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, the second Rightly-guided [[Caliph]], and formed one of his many "well-known conditions" in the [[Pact of Umar]] (637 AD).<ref>[http://www.tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=9&tid=20986 Tafsir ibn Kathir - Paying Jizyah is a Sign of Kufr and Disgrace]</ref>
The yellow badge (or yellow patch), also referred to as a Jewish badge, was a cloth patch that Jews were ordered to sew on their outer garments in order to mark them as Jews in public. It is intended to be a badge of shame associated with [[antisemitism]].<ref>"''But the wearing of a badge or outward sign — whose effect, intended or otherwise, successful or not, was to shame and to make vulnerable as well as to distinguish the wearer…''" - D'Ancona, Jacob (2003). The City Of Light. New York: Citadel. pp. 23–24. ISBN 0806524634.</ref>  


The [[Yellow Badge|yellow badge]] that was to be eventually used by the Nazis as a badge of shame against the Jews was actually first introduced by a Muslim caliph in Baghdad in the 9<sup>th</sup> century as a variant of the zunār. This then spread to the western world during medieval times.<ref>Bernard Lewis - [http://press.princeton.edu/titles/1434.html The Jews of Islam] - Princeton University Press, June 1, 1987, pp. 25-26.</ref>
This badge, that was to be eventually used by the Nazis against the Jews, was actually first introduced by a Muslim [[caliph]] in Baghdad in the 9<sup>th</sup> century as a variant of the [[Zunar|zunnār]] belt. This then spread to the western world in medieval times.<ref name="Bernard Lewis">Bernard Lewis, [http://press.princeton.edu/titles/1434.html The Jews of Islam], Princeton University Press, June 1, 1987, ISBN 9780691008073, pp. 25-26.</ref>


As recently as 2001, [[Afghanistan]]'s Hindus were required to wear yellow badges to segregate "un-Islamic" and "idolatrous" communities from [[Islam|Islamic]] ones.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/fyi/news/05/22/taleban.hindus/index.html|2=2012-05-14}} Taliban to mark Afghan Hindus] - CNN, May 22, 2001</ref><ref>Jack Kelley - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2001-05-22-talibanids.htm|2=2012-05-14}} Taliban: Hindus must wear identity labels] - USA TODAY, June 19, 2001</ref><ref>T.C. Malhotra - [{{Reference archive|1=http://cnsnews.com/news/article/us-lawmakers-condemn-taliban-treatment-hindus|2=2012-05-14}} US Lawmakers Condemn Taliban Treatment Of Hindus] - CNS News, July 7, 2008</ref>
==Origin and history==
 
==Origin and History==


Under [[Dhimmitude]], the Islamic system of governing [[Non-Muslims|non-Muslim]] populations and their interactions with Muslims, Muslim superiority was expressed through numerous ways, including [[Shariah|laws]] that established what colors, clothing or hats they were permitted or not permitted to wear.  
Under [[Dhimmitude]], the Islamic system of governing [[Non-Muslims|non-Muslim]] populations and their interactions with Muslims, Muslim superiority was expressed through numerous ways, including [[Shariah|laws]] that established what colors, clothing or hats they were permitted or not permitted to wear.  
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In the early Islamic period, non-Muslims were required to wear distinctive marks in public, such as metal seals fixed around their necks. Likewise, they were not allowed to wear colors associated with Islam, particularly green.<ref>Hourani, Albert, A History of the Arab Peoples, London: Faber and Faber, 1991, ISBN 0571166636, p.117</ref> The practice of physically branding Jews and Christians appears to have been begun in early medieval Baghdad and was considered highly degrading.<ref>Bernard Lewis, Semites and Anti-Semites: An Inquiry Into Conflict and Prejudice, 1999, W. W. Norton & Company press, ISBN 0393318397, p.131</ref>
In the early Islamic period, non-Muslims were required to wear distinctive marks in public, such as metal seals fixed around their necks. Likewise, they were not allowed to wear colors associated with Islam, particularly green.<ref>Hourani, Albert, A History of the Arab Peoples, London: Faber and Faber, 1991, ISBN 0571166636, p.117</ref> The practice of physically branding Jews and Christians appears to have been begun in early medieval Baghdad and was considered highly degrading.<ref>Bernard Lewis, Semites and Anti-Semites: An Inquiry Into Conflict and Prejudice, 1999, W. W. Norton & Company press, ISBN 0393318397, p.131</ref>


Christians and Jews were forced to wear special emblems on their clothes. The yellow badge was first introduced by a caliph in Baghdad in the 9<sup>th</sup> century<ref name="Bernard Lewis"></ref> as a variant of the zunnār belt and spread to the western world in medieval times. Even in public baths, non-Muslims wore medallions suspended from cords around their necks so no one would mistake them for Muslims. Belts, headgear, shoes, armbands and/or cloth patches were also used. Under [[Shiite|Shi'ite]] rules, they were not even allowed to use the same baths.<ref name="Bernard Lewis"></ref> In 1005 the Jews of [[Egypt]] were ordered to wear bells on their garments.<ref name="Ulysse Robert">[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/2317-badge|2=2012-05-15}} Yellow badge] - Jewish Encyclopedia, accessed May 15, 2012</ref>
Christians and Jews were forced to wear special emblems on their clothes. The yellow badge was first introduced by a caliph in Baghdad in the 9<sup>th</sup> century<ref name="Bernard Lewis"></ref> as a variant of the zunnār belt and spread to the western world in medieval times. Even in public baths, non-Muslims wore medallions suspended from cords around their necks so no one would mistake them for Muslims. Belts, headgear, shoes, armbands and/or cloth patches were also used. Under [[Shiite|Shi'ite]] rules, they were not even allowed to use the same baths.<ref name="Bernard Lewis"></ref> In 1005 the Jews of Egypt were ordered to wear bells on their garments.<ref name="Ulysse Robert">[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/2317-badge|2=2012-05-15}} Yellow badge] - Jewish Encyclopedia, accessed May 15, 2012</ref>


Apart from Jews, Hindus living under Islamic rule in [[India]] were often forced to wear yellow badges as well. During the reign of Akbar the Great, his general Husain Khan 'Tukriya' forcibly made Hindus wear discriminatory yellow badges<ref>Harbans, Mukhia (2004). The Mughals of India. Blackwell Publishing. p. 153. ISBN 9780631185550.</ref> on their shoulders or sleeves.<ref>Nijjar, Bakhshish Singh (1968). Panjāb Under the Great Mughals, 1526-1707. Thacker. p. 128.</ref>
Apart from Jews, Hindus living under Islamic rule in India were often forced to wear yellow badges as well. During the reign of Akbar the Great, his general Husain Khan 'Tukriya' forcibly made Hindus wear discriminatory yellow badges<ref>Harbans, Mukhia (2004). The Mughals of India. Blackwell Publishing. p. 153. ISBN 9780631185550.</ref> on their shoulders or sleeves.<ref>Nijjar, Bakhshish Singh (1968). Panjāb Under the Great Mughals, 1526-1707. Thacker. p. 128.</ref>


The yellow badge first appeared in [[Europe]] via the Fourth Council of the Lateran of 1215 which ruled that Jews and Muslims must be distinguishable by their dress (Latin "habitus")". The Jewish Encyclopedia entry notes: "The idea of such a discrimination seems to have been derived from Islam, in which the dress of the Jews was distinguished by a different color from that of the true believer as early as the Pact of Omar (640), by which Jews were ordered to wear a yellow seam on their upper garments (D'Ohsson, "Histoire des Mogols," 1854, iii. 274)."<ref name="Ulysse Robert"></ref>
The yellow badge first appeared in Europe via the Fourth Council of the Lateran of 1215 which ruled that Jews and Muslims must be distinguishable by their dress (Latin "habitus")". The Jewish Encyclopedia entry notes: "The idea of such a discrimination seems to have been derived from Islam, in which the dress of the Jews was distinguished by a different color from that of the true believer as early as the Pact of Omar (640), by which Jews were ordered to wear a yellow seam on their upper garments (D'Ohsson, "Histoire des Mogols," 1854, iii. 274)."<ref name="Ulysse Robert"></ref>


It was later revived by the [[Germany|German]] Nazis. After the invasion of Poland in 1939 there were initially different local decrees forcing Jews to wear a distinctive sign, during the General Government. The requirement to wear the Star of David with the word "Jude" (German for "Jew") inscribed was then extended to all Jews over the age of six in the Reich (current day Germany, Austria, parts of Poland, Slovakia and Luxemberg where German speakers predominated) and the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (German-occupied Czechoslovakia) (by a decree issued on September 1, 1941, signed by Reinhard Heydrich) and was gradually introduced in other German-occupied areas, where local words were used (e.g. Juif in French, Jood in Dutch).
It was later revived by the German Nazis. After the invasion of Poland in 1939 there were initially different local decrees forcing Jews to wear a distinctive sign, during the General Government. The requirement to wear the Star of David with the word "Jude" (German for "Jew") inscribed was then extended to all Jews over the age of six in the Reich (current day Germany, Austria, parts of Poland, Slovakia and Luxemberg where German speakers predominated) and the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (German-occupied Czechoslovakia) (by a decree issued on September 1, 1941, signed by Reinhard Heydrich) and was gradually introduced in other German-occupied areas, where local words were used (e.g. Juif in French, Jood in Dutch).


This practice was again revived most recently in the Islamic world, where in 2001, [[Afghanistan]]'s Hindus were required by the [[Taliban]] to wear yellow badges to segregate "un-Islamic" and "idolatrous" communities from [[Islam|Islamic]] ones.<ref name="Hindus1">[{{Reference archive|1=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/fyi/news/05/22/taleban.hindus/index.html|2=2012-05-14}} Taliban to mark Afghan Hindus] - CNN, May 22, 2001</ref><ref name="Hindus2">Jack Kelley - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2001-05-22-talibanids.htm|2=2012-05-14}} Taliban: Hindus must wear identity labels] - USA TODAY, June 19, 2001</ref><ref name="Hindus3">T.C. Malhotra - [{{Reference archive|1=http://cnsnews.com/news/article/us-lawmakers-condemn-taliban-treatment-hindus|2=2012-05-14}} US Lawmakers Condemn Taliban Treatment Of Hindus] - CNS News, July 7, 2008</ref>
This practice was again revived most recently in the Islamic world, where in 2001, Afghanistan's Hindus were required by the [[Taliban]] to wear yellow badges to segregate "un-Islamic" and "idolatrous" communities from [[Islam|Islamic]] ones.<ref name="Hindus1">[{{Reference archive|1=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/fyi/news/05/22/taleban.hindus/index.html|2=2012-05-14}} Taliban to mark Afghan Hindus] - CNN, May 22, 2001</ref><ref name="Hindus2">Jack Kelley - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2001-05-22-talibanids.htm|2=2012-05-14}} Taliban: Hindus must wear identity labels] - USA TODAY, June 19, 2001</ref><ref name="Hindus3">T.C. Malhotra - [{{Reference archive|1=http://cnsnews.com/news/article/us-lawmakers-condemn-taliban-treatment-hindus|2=2012-05-14}} US Lawmakers Condemn Taliban Treatment Of Hindus] - CNS News, July 7, 2008</ref>


==Islamic Timeline==
==Islamic timeline==


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==See Also==
== Related practices ==
A related practice to visually distinguish those who had and had not paid the Jizyah (described below as the 'poll-tax').
{{Quote|{{citation|title=Economic Functions of an Islamic State: The Early Experience|author=S. M. Hasanuz Zaman|publisher=The Islamic Foundation|year=1991|pages=214-215|ISBN=0860372022|url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40360540-economic-functions-of-an-islamic-state|edition=Revised ed.}}|In order to manage the affairs of the land, '''Caliph 'Umar''', first had experienced persons survey it and then conduct a census of the population which was also to be subjected to poll-tax [defined by the author as Jizyah]. It is not known how large a team of assistants they took with them because a survey of the whole province could not be undertaken by only one or two men in a reasonable time. Residential areas and houses were excluded from survey. Similarly the undergrowth, area covered under water, or the area inaccessible to water, and mounds (''tala'') were also excluded. Thus the total area of surveyed land was reportedly 36 million ''jarib'' or 125 ''farsakh'' in length and 80 ''farsakh'' in breadth or 10,000 square ''farsakh''. '''In order that people should not evade poll-tax [defined by the author as Jizyah] by pretending to have been counted, a seal was fixed on their necks after they had been counted. A man without a seal was declared to be unprotected [i.e. they would have no civil rights or protections]. Thus about 550,000 persons were dealt with in this way.'''}}
 
==See also==


*[[The Pact of Umar]]
*[[The Pact of Umar]]


==External Links==
==External links==


*[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/2317-badge|2=2012-05-15}} Yellow badge] ''- Jewish Encyclopedia''
*[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/2317-badge|2=2012-05-15}} Yellow badge] ''- Jewish Encyclopedia''
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