People of the Book |
The People of the Book is a term in Islam for peoples who, according to the Qur'an, have received divine scriptures — generally interpreted to refer to the Tawrat (the Torah) and Injil (the Gospel).
The term "People of the Book" (Hebrew עם הספר, Am HaSefer) is also used in Judaism, where it refers specifically to the Jewish people and the Torah.
Application of term
In Islam, the term "People of the Book" applies to followers of the monotheistic Abrahamic religions who also received revelation(s) (or books) from God. To orthodox Muslims this includes at least all Christians, Jews (including Karaites and Samaritans), and "Sabians" (identified with Mandaeans). Many early scholars such as Malik Ibn Anas agree in also including Zoroastrians, while some have argued for extending the concept even further.
Similarities in belief
The various faiths of the People of the Book share several qualities:
- They practice Tawheed (monotheism).
- They share some of the same prophets, such as Moses.
- They recognize life after death, judgement, heaven, and angels, and have many similar eschatological beliefs due to the influences of Zoroastrianism.
- They share similar beliefs regarding the Creation, specifically, in the lives of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Treatment of People of the Book
Rulings surrounding treatment of People of the Book vary with the Qur'an. There are many verses in the Qur'an that promote tolerance towards People of The Book. For example:
- And do not dispute with the followers of the Book except by what is best, except those of them who act unjustly, and say: We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you, and our God and your God is One, and to Him do we submit. (Sura al-Ankabut 29:46)
However, there are also many statements that promote an adversarial relationship. For example:
- O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:51)
Throughout Islamic history, Muslims have used these ayah (verses) to justify a variety of positions towards non-Muslims. In some places and times, Muslims showed a great deal of tolerance towards non-Muslims; in other places and times non-Muslims were treated as enemies and persecuted.
Dhimmis
Sharia (Islamic law) demands that Muslims treat Jews and Christians living in Islamic nations as dhimmis, second-class protected citizens who have a limited number of rights. They are given a number of rights, such as the right to freely practice their faith in private, in return for state protection, and exemption from military service. They also have some responsibilities, such as the payment of a special tax called jizyah ("poll tax"), but they are exempt from zakat, which Muslims are required to pay. People of the Book living in non-Islamic nations are not considered dhimmis.
References
- Yusuf al-Qaradawi has a book entitled "Non-Muslims in Muslim societies" detailing many issues including what a dhimmi is, jizyah, rights, responsibilities, and more.
- Bat Ye'or has written extensively on dhimmitude.
External links
- Union of Faiths – A positive look at People of the Book in Islam
- The Books of the People of the Book: Judaic Collection of Library of Congress – The People of the Book from a Jewish perspective
- Islam and the People of the Book – A critical look at People of the Book in Islam