Dhimmitude and Marcionism - 2002 by Bat Ye'or

From The WMD Library
Jump to: navigation, search


The Law

The Law says:
Bold by Weapon of Musical Defense as quoted in our article Conceded Rights

Extract:Jews and Christians under Islam: Dhimmitude and Marcionism*

Sheikh Yousef al-Qaradawi, spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, explained in a December 1997 interview that Islamic law classifies the People of the Book—Jews and Christians—in three categories: non-Muslim protégés, dhimmis, living in Islamic countries (dar al-islam); non-Muslims in countries of temporary truce; and non- Muslims in the lands of war, harbis. Explaining that Islamic law establishes different rules for each of these categories,1 the sheikh summed up in a few words the theory of jihad that governs relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Jihad

According to the theory of jihad, inhabitants of the lands of war (dar al-harb) are infidels to be combated because they oppose the establishment of Islamic law in their countries. As enemies of Allah they have no rights: they themselves and their property become licit (mubah) for all Muslims. As the opportunity arises they can be taken as slaves, kidnapped for ransom, robbed or killed. War is waged against them to Islamize their territory which, according to the will of Allah, must belong to the Islamic community. If they resist, Islamic law provides for the deportation or massacre of the men and the enslavement of women and children.

Bat Ye’or is the author of The Dhimmi: Jews and Christians under Islam (1985/2003); The Decline of Eastern Christianity under Islam. From Jihad to Dhimmitude (1996/2002); Islam and Dhimmitude. Where Civilizations Collide (2002/2003).

  • Original title : « Juifs et chrétiens sous l’Islam. Dhimmitude et marcionisme, » published in Commentaire (97) Spring 2002, Paris: 105-116. (Commentaire is a quarterly review founded by Raymond Aron. Editorial director: Jean-Claude Casanova) Translated by Nidra Poller.