[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [General histories](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general) › [Tārīkh-i Firishta](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta) › [History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs) › 37.5.2 # Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 37.5.2 History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 37.5.2 - **Language:** English ### [37.5.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.37.5.2) but it will be only adding unnecessarily to the crime, if I am to be punished for speaking the truth, and according to the word of God." The King asked why he was afraid. He replied, "If I speak the truth, and your Majesty is "offended, it may cost me my life, and if I speak falsely, and your Majesty should ascertain the truth from others, I shall then be deserving of death." The King told him to allay his apprehensions, and to answer his questions in conformity with the law of the Prophet (on whom be the peace of God). — First question, "From what description of Hindoos is it lawful to exact obedience and tribute?" — Answer. "It is lawful to exact obedience and tribute from all infidels, and they can only be considered as obedient who pay the poll-tax and tribute without demur, even should it be obtained by force; for, according to the law of the Prophet, it is written, regarding infidels, 'Tax them to the extent that they can pay, or utterly destroy them.' The learned of the faith have also enjoined the followers of Islam, 'To slay them, or to convert them to the faith;' a maxim conveyed in the words of the Prophet himself. The Imam Huneefi however, subsequently considers that the poll-tax, or as heavy a tribute imposed upon them as they can bear, may be substituted for death, and he has accordingly forbidden that their blood should be heedlessly spilt. - [Previous: 37.5.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.37.5.1) - [Next: 37.5.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.37.5.3) - [Up: 37.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.37.5) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.37.5.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.37.5.2) · Pramāṇa