Minorities: Non-Muslim Minorities in Muslim Societies
The status and treatment of non-Muslim minorities in Muslim societies have varied over time and space. A contract of protection (dhimmah) guaranteed life, body, property, freedom of movement, and religious practice in return for submission to Muslim rule. Practice, however, was closely conditioned by economic and political circumstances and did not always conform to the law; there are historical instances of discrimination against non-Muslims, although these are considered deviations from orthopraxy. In the modern world, some reformers call for the reimposition of traditional dhimmi regulations; others call for full legal and political equality between Muslims and non-Muslims.
See also: Ahl al-Kitab; Dhimmi; Mawali.
Etymology
The term “dhimmah” (ذِمَّة) is derived from Arabic, meaning “protection” or “covenant.” In Turkish, the concept is known as “zimmet.”
Linguistic Translation
- Arabic: ذِمَّة (dhimmah)
- Turkish: zimmet
Historical Context and Practices
Classical Period
In classical Islamic societies, non-Muslim communities often lived under the dhimmah system, granting them protection and certain rights in exchange for the jizya tax—a poll tax which non-Muslim subjects paid to the Muslim state. This agreement intended to ensure peaceful co-existence and the security of non-Muslim minorities.
Medieval Period
The treatment of non-Muslim minorities during the medieval period greatly depended on regional rulers and their policies. Instances of peaceful cohabitation and flourishing communities can be found alongside episodes of discrimination.
Modern Context
In contemporary times, the treatment of non-Muslim minorities ranges widely:
- Reformers’ Perspectives:
- Some advocate the modern application of traditional dhimmah regulations to maintain historical Islamic identities.
- Others argue for full legal and political equality between Muslims and non-Muslims, aligning with contemporary standards of human rights.
Key Concepts and Terms
- Ahl al-Kitab: Translating to “People of the Book,” this term among Muslims refers primarily to Christians and Jews, and denotes a special status that these religious groups held in Islamic law as recipients of earlier, divinely-revealed scriptures.
- Dhimmi: Non-Muslims who live under Muslim rule and are afforded protection rights in exchange for accepting certain conditions such as paying jizya.
Suggested Reading
For further study on this topic, refer to the following scholarly works:
- “The Dhimmi: Jews and Christians Under Islam” by Bat Ye’or
- “Non-Muslims in the Early Islamic Empire” by Milka Levy-Rubin
- “Islamic legal Orthodoxy: Twelver Shiite Responses to the Sunni Legal System” by Devin J. Stewart
Takeaways and Conclusion
The status of non-Muslim minorities in Muslim societies has been shaped by a variety of factors including economic, political, and social conditions. Although the principle of dhimmah provided a framework for their protection, deviations did occur. Modern approaches to this historical concept vary, with some advocating for its reinstatement, while others push for equality and the upholding of contemporary human rights standards.
