The term Ahl al-Kitab (Arabic: أهل الكتاب) is an Islamic term referring to followers of those religions which Muslims regard as having been guided by previous revelations, generally in the form of a scripture. In the Quran they are identified as the Jews, the Christians, the Sabians, and—according to some interpretations—the Zoroastrians. Starting from the 8th century, some Muslims also recognized other religious groups such as the Samaritans, and even Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains, as People of the Book.
The term ahl al-kitab literally means "People of the Book". The word ahl means "people" or "community", and kitab means "book". In this context, the book refers to a divine scripture, such as the Torah, the Gospel, or the Qur'an.
The concept of Ahl al-Kitab is based on the belief that God has revealed his message to different peoples at different times. The Jews, Christians, and Sabians are all believed to have received divine revelations from God, and their scriptures are therefore considered to be sacred by Muslims.
Muslims are commanded to treat Ahl al-Kitab with respect and tolerance. They are allowed to marry Ahl al-Kitab women, and they are not required to convert to Islam in order to live in Muslim lands. However, Ahl al-Kitab are required to pay a special tax (jizya) in exchange for their protection and exemption from military service.
The concept of Ahl al-Kitab has been interpreted in different ways by different Muslim scholars. Some scholars have argued that the term only applies to Jews and Christians, while others have argued that it can also apply to other religious groups. There is also debate about the specific rights and obligations that are owed to Ahl al-Kitab.
Despite these differences of interpretation, the concept of Ahl al-Kitab remains an important part of Islamic law and tradition. It reflects the belief that Muslims share a common religious heritage with other Abrahamic faiths, and it establishes a framework for peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims.
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