Is it permissible to kill agricultural workers (farmers) who do not participate in combat?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
Agricultural workers who do not engage in warfare must not be killed. This is affirmed by the statement of Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, who commanded: "Fear Allah regarding the farmers who do not align themselves for war against you." Furthermore, the companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did not kill them when they conquered the lands. The reasoning is that since they do not fight, they resemble the elderly and monks.
Supporting text
Al-Awza'i stated that the plowman (harraath) should not be killed, provided it is known that he is not a combatant. Al-Shafi'i holds that they are to be killed unless they pay the Jizyah, due to their inclusion under the general ruling applicable to polytheists.