# Religious Minorities Under Muslim Rule

Source: [Religious Minorities Under Muslim Rule](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/infographics/religious-minorities-under-muslim-rule-infographic)
Authors: Tesneem Alkiek
Adapted from: [Religious Minorities Under Muslim Rule](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/religious-minorities-under-muslim-rule.md)
Watch: [Religious Minorities Under Muslim Rule](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/animation/religious-minorities-under-muslim-rule-animated-video.md)
See also: [Tolerance or Injustice? Religious Minorities Under Muslim Rule](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/infographics/tolerance-or-injustice-religious-minorities-infographic.md)

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Religious minorities are often depicted as oppressed and vulnerable victims of their Muslim rulers. This portrayal, however, is far from accurate. Here we seek to understand the rights and responsibilities religious minorities possessed under Muslim rule.

## The protected people

Religious minorities in the Muslim Empire were known as *Ahl ul-Dhimmah* or *dhimmīs*, which literally translates to **the protected people**.

- **ذِمَّيّ:** Protected

The meaning of the word *dhimmī* is important because it demonstrates the significance of religious minorities, who are people who were to be protected on behalf of God and His Prophet — **an immense responsibility**.

- Under Muslim rule, the State was required to protect religious minorities from both internal and external harm.
- *Dhimmīs* were granted religious and legal autonomy meaning they could maintain their religious practices without interference.
- The power of the Muslim state was dependent on their ability to provide two precious resources to their people: **security** and **justice**.

## Historical foundations

### The Charter of Medina

Prophet Muhammad, upon his arrival in Medina, contracted a treaty with the non-Muslims that essentially established rights and responsibilities between the various Muslim groups and the Jewish tribes.

**Essentially:** Allowed Jews to continue their lives without interference, while obligating them to help defend the city if necessary.

### The Pact of ‘Umar

This historically impactful document is a list of agreements written up between Umar b. al-Khattab (ra) during his caliphate and the people of Syria.

**Essentially:** Promoted Christian and Jewish self-government and legal autonomy, while also requiring their support against enemies of the state when needed.

## The jizyah – a discriminatory tax?

- In return for protection by the Muslim State, religious minorities paid *jizyah* or poll-tax.
- The tax can be considered similar to the *zakah* tax that Muslims are required to pay.
- The amount of *jizyah* paid depends on the economic status of the payee — the poor pay less.
- The *jizyah* is only taxable on able-bodied men who are fit enough to serve in the army.
- To provide ease, payment does not need to be limited to gold or silver, but can be collected in the form of any **non-monetary** means.
- Must be returned if the Muslim State cannot provide military protection to the *dhimmīs*.

## Exempt from paying jizyah

- Women
- Children
- Elderly
- Disabled
- Poor
- Monks

## Conclusion

The rights and responsibilities of religious minorities, as we have seen, are not always a simple matter. Throughout history there have been diverse scholarly opinions on the laws regarding relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims; however, the manifestations of these regulations were dependent on the judgment of the ruler in his respective political, economic, and social milieu. The **dhimmī paradigm** that was established at an early stage of Islamic civilization was consequently flexible in nature, and has generally resulted in tolerant societies.

From the article: [*Religious Minorities under Muslim Rule*](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/religious-minorities-under-muslim-rule.md) at yaqeeninstitute.org