A non-Muslim citizen in an Islamic state, typically a Christian or Jew, who received protection and limited rights in exchange for paying special taxes.
From Arabic 'dhimma' meaning 'protection' or 'covenant,' referring to the contract between Muslim rulers and religious minorities. The system formalized the status of 'People of the Book' in Islamic law.
The dhimmi system was remarkably progressive for its time—while dhimmis faced restrictions and taxes, they enjoyed religious freedom and legal protection when most medieval societies practiced religious persecution or forced conversion!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.