Understanding ẔIMMĪ (ذمى)
Definition
Ẕimmī (ذمى) refers to non-Muslim subjects living under Islamic rule who are provided protection and certain rights in exchange for paying a specific tax called Jizya. These individuals usually belong to the “People of the Book” (Jews and Christians) or sometimes the Sabeans.
Etymology
The term Ẕimmī derives from the Arabic root “ذمّ” meaning “to blame” or “to put under protection.” It implies a covenant of protection granted by the Muslim authorities to non-Muslims residing in their territory.
Background
One of the key responsibilities for Muslims, as instructed by the Prophet Muhammad, includes engaging in Jihād fī Sabīli ʾllāh (struggling in the path of God), which traditionally included spreading Islam but also led to a significant responsibility towards those who chose to remain non-Muslims within the Muslim realm. The concept of the Ẕimmī evolved as a means to provide a systematic way of governing and protecting non-Muslims.
The Islamic state was divided into two main regions:
- Dāru ʾl-Islām (Territory of Peace): Where Islamic law prevails.
- Dāru ʾl-Ḥarb (Territory of War): Regions not under Islamic control.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Islamic World: Muslim scholars like ash-Shāfiʿī and Abū Ḥanīfah provided foundational legal interpretations for the status of Ẕimmīs, ensuring a protective status but with imposed limitations such as restrictions on building new places of worship in prominent areas.
Western Europe: Medieval Europe had a similar concept termed “Jews under protection,” where local rulers imposed taxes on Jewish communities in exchange for protection.
Synonyms
- Dhimmi
- Protected Peoples
- People of the Book (Ahlu ʾl-Kitāb) when referring to Jews and Christians specifically.
Antonyms
- Ḥarbī: An individual from the Dāru ʾl-Ḥarb.
Related Terms
- Jizya: The tax levied on Ẕimmīs in exchange for protection.
- Ahlu ʾẕ-Ẕimmah: The community of Ẕimmīs.
- Dar al-Islam: The territories where Islamic law prevails.
- Dar al-Harb: Territories where Islamic law does not prevail.
Exciting Facts
- Notable scholars like Abū Ḥanīfah allowed more leniency for certain non-Muslim communities like Sabeans and Zoroastrians, showing cultural flexibility within Islamic jurisprudence.
- Ẕimmīs could hold significant roles in society, including administrative positions, highlighting the inclusiveness of the early Islamic state.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“The humanity of Islam, as embodied in Ẕimmah, allowed diverse cultures and religions to coexist peacefully under a common political umbrella.” — Ibn Khaldun
References
- Hamilton’s Hidāyah, vol. ii.
- Baillie’s Digest of Moohummudan Law
- A. Rumsey, Moohummudan Law of Inheritance
- Grady’s Translation of Hidāyah
Suggested Literature
- “The Dhimmi: Jews and Christians under Islam” by Bat Ye’or
- “The Jew in the Medieval Islamic World” by Jacob Lassner
- “Exploring Islamic Law” by Ahmed Akgündüz
Quizzes
Final Thoughts
Understanding the historical, cultural, and legal framework of Ẕimmīs helps unwrap the complexities of Islamic governance and religious tolerance.
Inspirational Farewell: As we delve deep into the treatise of human existence and religious subjects, we realize that truly, knowledge brings us together. 📜✨
Mohamed Ibn-Kadi, 2023-10-01
