People of the Book
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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People of the Book is an Islamic term referring to Jews, Christians, and Sabians and sometimes applied to members of other religions such as Zoroastrians. It is also used in Judaism to refer to the Jewish people and by members of some Christian denominations to refer to themselves.
The Quran uses the term in reference to Jews, Christians and Sabians in a variety of contexts, from religious polemics to passages emphasizing community of faith between those who possess monotheistic scriptures. The term was later extended to other religious communities that fell under Muslim rule, including even polytheistic Indians. Historically, these communities were subject to the dhimma contract in an Islamic state.
In Judaism the term "People of the Book" (Hebrew: עם הספר, Am HaSefer) has come to refer to the Jewish people and the Torah.
Members of some Christian denominations, such as the Baptists, Methodists, Seventh-day Adventist Church, as well as Puritans and Shakers, have embraced the term "People of the Book" in reference to themselves.
See also
- Islam and Judaism
- Christianity and Islam
- Pact of Umar II
- Islam and other religions
- Divisions of the world in Islam
