Ẕimmah (ذمة)
Definition and Etymology
Ẕimmah (ذمة), with the plural form ẕimam, originates from the Arabic root ẕamm, which means “to blame.” This term encompasses several meanings, including a compact, covenant, contract, league, treaty, or any obligation wherein the breaking thereof attracts blame. In the context of Islamic law, Ẕimmah refers to a contractual relationship that provides security and protection to non-Muslim subjects within an Islamic state.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: ذمة (Ẕimmah)
- Turkish: Zimmi
Significance in Islamic Jurisprudence
The concept of Ẕimmah is synonymous with amān (safety, security) and revolves around the promise of protection for ahlu ʾẕ-ẕimmah (the people under the compact), which typically includes the Kitābīs (People of the Book, i.e., Jews and Christians), Majūsī (Zoroastrians), and Sabeans. Upon paying a poll-tax known as jizyah, they are afforded security, personal freedom, and religious tolerance by the Muslim government.
Quranic Reference
Ẕimmah makes an appearance in the Qur’an, reinforcing the significance of clientship or good faith over mere ties of blood. This is evident in Sūrah At-Tawbah (9:7-10):
<p>“How can they who add gods to God be in league with God and with His Apostle, save those with whom ye made a league at the sacred temple? So long as they are true to you, be ye true to them: verily, God loveth those who fear Him.”<br> “How can they? since if they prevail against you, they will not regard, in their dealing with you, either ties of blood or good faith: With their mouths they content you, but their hearts are averse, and most of them are perverse doers.”<br> “They sell the signs of God for a mean price, and turn others aside from his way: of a truth, evil is it that they do!”<br> “They respect not with a believer either ties of blood or good faith; and these are the transgressors.”</p>
Modern Implications
In contemporary discourse, Ẕimmah often denotes the concept of conscience, extending beyond legal and theological boundaries to embody a broader ethical consciousness.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Non-Muslims in the Early Islamic Empire: From Surrender to Coexistence” by Milka Levy-Rubin
- “A History of Islamic Societies” by Ira M. Lapidus
- “The Pact of Umar: Law and Social Context in Early Islam” by Majid Khadduri
- “Islam and the Dhimma: Rights and the Protection of Non-Muslims” by Nissim Rejwan
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Ẕimmah signifies a form of contractual protection and responsibility that an Islamic state offers to its non-Muslim subjects.
- It stresses the ethical and legal obligations of Muslim rulers towards those who live under their governance in exchange for the jizyah tax.
- The concept extends into modern contexts symbolizing a broader ethical obligation toward others regardless of religious or social distinctions.
Understanding Ẕimmah offers a window into the complex interplay of law, theology, and social relationships in Islamic civilization, highlighting principles of tolerance, protection, and ethical governance.
