Dhimmi
Definition
Dhimmi (Arabic: ذِمِّيّ, Turkish: Zimmi) refers to a non-Muslim individual living in an Islamic state with legal protection. The term comes from the Arabic root “dh-m-m” which means “to blame” or “to be responsible.” In the context of Islamic jurisprudence, it implies responsibility or protection granted to non-Muslims.
Historical Context
A covenant of protection, known as the Dhimma (Arabic: ذِمَّة), was made with the Ahl al-Kitab (Arabic: أَهْلُ الْكِتَاب, “People of the Book”), including Jews, Christians, Sabaeans, and sometimes Zoroastrians and Hindus. This contract allowed these groups to practice their own religions and manage their internal affairs in exchange for a special tax and certain restrictions.
Obligations and Rights
Adult male dhimmis were required to pay the Jizya (Arabic: جِزْيَة), a tax based on income, and sometimes an additional tax on their land. In return for paying the Jizya, dhimmis were granted:
- Security of life and property: Ensured protection from aggression.
- Defense against enemies: Inclusion within the defense mechanisms of the Muslim state.
- Self-government: The ability to govern their own communal affairs.
- Religious freedom: The right to practice their religion without interference.
However, certain restrictions were applied regarding dress codes, occupation choices, and residential areas to distinguish dhimmis from Muslims.
Decline of Dhimmi Status
In the modern period, the concept of dhimmi has significantly diminished due to the rise of nation-states and the adoption of Western or quasi-Western legal frameworks. Many contemporary Muslim-majority countries now offer citizenship and equal rights to all individuals, regardless of religion, though this ideal remains unevenly implemented.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: ذِمِّيّ (Dhimmi)
- Turkish: Zimmi
See Also
- Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book)
- Jizya
Suggested Books for Further Study
- Bat Ye’or, The Dhimmi: Jews and Christians Under Islam
- Mark R. Cohen, Under Crescent and Cross: The Jews in the Middle Ages
- Raymond Ibrahim, The Al Qaeda Reader
Takeaways
- The status of dhimmi provided a structured way for non-Muslims to live under Islamic rule, balancing protections and obligations.
- The notion of dhimmi allowed religious plurality and co-existence within an Islamic legal framework.
- The relevance of dhimmi status has decreased with contemporary legal and political transformations in Muslim-majority societies.
Conclusion
The concept of dhimmi offers significant insight into how Islamic civilizations historically integrated non-Muslim communities. Though its importance has waned in the modern era, the historical model of dhimmi sheds light on Islamic legal pluralism and its legacy in managing diversity. For a deeper exploration, examining both historical texts and modern analyses will provide a comprehensive understanding.
