Dhimmi

Literally meaning "people of the book", dhimmi was orignally the name for only followers of monotheistic religions Judaism and Christianity, as they all essentially worshipped from the same book (Torah, Bible, Koran). As Muslim conquest spread, however, this later expanded to include followers of Zoraostrianism and Hinduism as well. These specific religions were tolerated by Muslims, and practicing people were allowed to worship freely without Muslim oppression. The dhimmi were still forced to pay the nonbeliever tax, the jizya, yet retained much high social and legal rights than nonbelievers (but lower than Muslims). The toleration of the dhimmi had a large impact on the expansion of Islam, as conquered peoples were less hostile and more accepting of Islamic rule without the threat of oppression or forced conversions.

Created by: Frances Grimball October 21, 2008 Edited by Anna Mack on 10/21/08 Edited by Stacy Fairey 10.21.08 Edited by Allie Pinosky 10.23.08

Unit 3 Terms

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