Dhimmis were non-Muslims living in Islamic states under a protected status known as dhimma. This status was primarily granted to People of the Book—Jews, Christians, and later, in some cases, Zoroastrians, Hindus, and others.

Key Features of Dhimmi Status:

1. Religious Freedom (with Restrictions): Dhimmis were allowed to practice their religion but could not proselytize or build new places of worship in some cases.


2. Payment of Jizya Tax: Instead of military service, dhimmis paid a special tax called jizya, while Muslims paid zakat.


3. Legal and Social Limitations: Dhimmis had some legal restrictions, such as not holding certain high-ranking government or military positions.


4. Protection by the State: In return for paying the jizya, they were granted security and religious autonomy.



While the treatment of dhimmis varied across different Islamic empires and periods, many dhimmi communities prospered, particularly in trade, scholarship, and medicine.