Rights of Dhimmis:
- Freedom of Religion: Dhimmis were allowed to practice their own religion. This included Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, among others. They could maintain their places of worship and perform their religious rituals.
- Personal Safety: The Islamic state was responsible for protecting dhimmis’ personal safety. They were not to be harmed, and their properties were to be respected and protected.
- Legal Autonomy: Dhimmis had a degree of legal autonomy and could refer to their own religious laws in matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
- Right to Work and Trade: Dhimmis had the right to work, do business, and engage in trade. They could own property.
Responsibilities of Dhimmis:
- Payment of Jizya and Kharaj: Jizya is a tax that was levied on non-Muslims in an Islamic state. It was in exchange for the protection provided by the state. The Kharaj was a tax on agricultural land.
- Respect Islamic Laws and Sensitivities: Dhimmis were expected to respect the Muslim majority’s religious sensitivities. This included certain restrictions, such as not publicly displaying pork or alcohol or not building their houses of worship taller than mosques.
- Non-Combatant Status: Dhimmis were typically not required to participate in military service for the Islamic state, although they were sometimes allowed to if they wished. Their non-combatant status was a part of their protection agreement.
