Dhimmitude is thus discussed from the perspective of Muslim theory, and also in regard to divergent Christian attitudes to Jews and Zionism."--BOOK JACKET.

Examines the treatment of non-Arab people under the rule of the Muslims and collects historical documents related to this subject

In two waves of Islamic expansion the Christian and Jewish populations of the Mediterranean regions and Mesopotamia, who had developed the most prestigious civilizations of the time, were conquered by jihad. Millions of Christians from Spain, Egypt, Syria, Greece, and Armenia; Latins and Slavs from southern and central Europe; as well as Jews were henceforth governed by the shari'a (Islamic law).

In the classical Islamic ideology of conquest, the first choice offered to non-Muslims was conversion to Islam; the second choice was the sword; and the third was surrender. Mark Durie's innovative book exposes the history and ideology of surrender - the 'Third Choice' - which has determined the lived reality of non-Muslims - known as 'dhimmis' - living under Muslim rule. Durie grounds his analysis of the dhimmi condition in the teachings of Islam and the life of Muhammad. His ground-breaking analyses show how the ideology of the terms of surrender ' known as a 'dhimma' pact ' determines life for non-Muslims under Islamic dominance. The worldview of dhimmitude, he argues, offers indispensable keys for understanding current trends in global politics, including the widening impact of sharia revival, deterioration of human rights in Islamic societies, jihad terrorism, recurring patterns of Western appeasement, and the increasingly fraught relationship between migrant Muslim communities in the West and their host societies.

Liberty to the Captives is a resource for equipping the church to respond to the challenge of Islam. Mark Durie presents unique resources for ministering freedom from the yoke of Islam, both for those who have lived as non-Muslims under Islamic dominance, as well as those who have come to Christ out of a Muslim background. Liberty to the Captives identifies the dhimma pact of surrender to Muslim rule, and the shahada - the Muslim confession of faith - as covenants which must be rejected and renounced by followers of Christ. It explains why this is necessary, and how to do it. The prayers and declarations provided here have been tested across four continents, and have proven value for setting people free from fear, breaking spiritual strongholds, and releasing men and women to be bold and effective witnesses to Muslims of the saving power of Christ.

UNDERSTANDING DHIMMITUDE brings together for the first time twenty-one talks and lectures in which Bat Ye’or explains in layman’s terms the essential concepts from her studies, the fruit of over four decades of groundbreaking research. “Bat Ye’or’s pioneering studies of the Islamic concept of dhimmitude have revolutionized our understanding of Islam’s past, present and future. She remains one of the few analysts in the world with the courage and insight necessary to tell the truth.” —Robert Spencer, Jihad Watch “[Bat Ye’or is] the acknowledged expert on the plight of Jews and Christians in Muslim lands, and their vigorous champion.” —Sir Martin Gilbert “Bat Ye’or’s scholarship is highly impressive, and her analysis is as persuasive as it is terrifying. (. . .) It is imperative that these issues are openly discussed. There are, however, alarming signs of attempts in the West to shut down such discussion on spurious grounds of prejudice. This is, of course, itself a prime example of the condition of ‘dhimmitude’ which Bat Ye’or so graphically describes.” —Melanie Phillips, Jewish Chronicle “It is not surprising that [Bat] Ye’or’s study of jihad and dhimmitude has been stimulating substantial and disturbing discussion in academic and ecumenical circles. (. . .) Perhaps the single most significant contribution of the author is her definition and development of the concept of ‘dhimmitude’ (. . .) [Bat] Ye’or’s books on dhimmitude and jihad have an essential place in the ecumenical world; ignoring them will only perpetuate illusion.” —James E. Biechler, Journal of Ecumenical Studies “Bat Ye'or has enriched our understanding of how Islamic societies are structured by defining the concept of dhimmitude. Her contribution to Islam critique can't be underestimated. Yes, she and her late husband, the human rights activist and historian David Littman, are the king and queen of the genre.” —Professor Johannes J.G. Jansen

Analysing the rules governing the treatment of foreigners in Islam and situating them in their historical, political, and legal context, this book sets out a new framework for understanding these rules as part of a wider problem of governing through law amidst pluralism.