dhimmi means A protected and specially taxed non-Muslim subject of a state governed under dhimma, a form of social contract, in accordance with sharia law.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, dhimmi ranks #2,319 of 14,444 for Most Exacting Words, #2,328 of 14,438 for Most Storied Words, #2,350 of 14,448 for Most Incisive Words, #2,580 of 14,456 for The Improbable.
dhimmi is pronounced /ˈdɪmi/.
Why “dhimmi” is a great word
A non-Muslim subject granted protected status under Islamic law in a Muslim-ruled state, typically in exchange for payment of a special tax. From French dhimmi, from Arabic ذِمِّيّ (ḏimmiyy, 'a dhimmi'), from ذِمَّة (ḏimma, 'protection, custody, pact'). Unlike kafir, a term of unbelief carrying no legal obligation, or citizen, a modern status of equal rights, dhimmi denotes a condition both shielded and circumscribed—a defined, subordinate space carved out by treaty and theology. It is the stamped receipt of the jizya, the distinctive belt or badge worn in certain eras, the quiet negotiation of a church bell lowered; protection purchased, dignity curtailed, identity held in escrow—a word for those permitted to remain, never for those welcomed to arrive.
Etymology
From French dhimmi, from Arabic ذِمِّيّ (ḏimmiyy, “a dhimmi”), from ذِمَّة (ḏimma, “protection, custody”).
noun
- A protected and specially taxed non-Muslim subject of a state governed under dhimma, a form of social contract, in accordance with sharia law.
- A non-Muslim characterized by a conciliatory stance towards Islam, abstaining from articulating opposing beliefs and refraining from criticizing the religion.“Mayor Broomberg is a dhimmi for allowing the mosque at groundzero”
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- dhimma 97% match — A form of social contract in a state under sharia law granting special status to all or certain non-Muslim subjects, providing rights of residence in return for taxes. vs dhimmi →
- jizya 92% match — A per capita tax levied on a section of an Islamic state's non-Muslim citizens, who meet certain criteria. vs dhimmi →
- harbi 88% match — A person who is not a Muslim and does not live under the condition of the dhimma. vs dhimmi →
- takfir 82% match — Excommunication. vs dhimmi →
- caliphate 82% match — Monarchical government based on a claim of succession to the Islamic State of Muhammad, ruled by a caliph. vs dhimmi →
- zakat 81% match — Almsgiving, usually in the form of an annual tax on certain types of property which is then used for charitable purposes; the third of the five pillars of Islam. vs dhimmi →
- takfirism 81% match — The practice of excommunicating other Muslims. vs dhimmi →
- sabian 81% match — A member of a group (mentioned in the Qur'an) that is entitled to Muslim religious toleration, along with Jews and Christians. The group's identity is unknown, but they are usually identified with the Mandaeans or the Elkesaites. vs dhimmi →