Dhimah

Dhimah (Arabic: ذمة‎, ḏimmah, meaning "protection") is a historical term referring to the status of non-Muslims living in an Islamic state (under Sharia law). These non-Muslims were known as dhimmis (Arabic: أهل الذمة‎, ahl al-ḏimmah, meaning "people of the dhimma" or "protected people").

The dhimmah system arose in the early Islamic conquests as a way to manage the relationship between the Muslim rulers and the existing non-Muslim populations, primarily Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians (often referred to as "People of the Book"). The dhimmah agreement was essentially a contract. In exchange for submission to Islamic rule and the payment of a special tax called jizya, dhimmis were granted protection of their lives, property, and religious freedom (within certain limitations).

Key aspects of the dhimmah system typically included:

• Religious Autonomy: Dhimmis were generally allowed to practice their own religion, maintain their places of worship, and conduct their own religious affairs.
• Legal Autonomy: Dhimmis often had their own religious courts to handle matters of personal status such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
• Protection: The Islamic state was obligated to protect dhimmis from external aggression and internal disturbances.
• Payment of Jizya: Dhimmis were required to pay the jizya tax, which was often interpreted as a substitute for military service (which they were generally exempt from). Muslims, on the other hand, paid zakat, a form of obligatory charity.
• Legal and Social Restrictions: Dhimmis were subject to certain legal and social restrictions, which varied depending on time and place. These restrictions often included limitations on building new religious buildings, holding certain public offices, bearing arms, and testifying against Muslims in court. There were also often customs or regulations to visually distinguish dhimmis from Muslims.

The interpretation and implementation of the dhimmah system varied considerably throughout history and across different Islamic societies. Some historical accounts describe relatively tolerant and harmonious relations between Muslims and dhimmis, while others highlight periods of discrimination and persecution. The dhimmah system is a complex and controversial topic with ongoing debates about its historical realities and its relevance in the modern world.

The dhimmah system has largely disappeared with the rise of modern nation-states and the development of citizenship based on equality before the law, regardless of religious belief. However, the concept of dhimmah continues to be debated and invoked in contemporary discussions about the relationship between Islam and religious minorities.