enforce these taxes, but they are nevertheless on the books
in case they are needed to bring some charge against a
particular Christian. Western civil law guarantees equal
treatment to all citizens, but the Sharia, or Islamic law, is
firmly based on the superiority and preeminence of the
Muslim community.
Islamic law adds other restrictions besides the tax. These
laws can be found in a manual of the Sharia that, according
to authorities at the respected Al Azhar University,
‘‘conforms to the practice and faith of the orthodox Sunni
Community.’’[43] It stipulates that nonMuslims in Muslim
lands, particularly Jews and Christians, must wear dress that
is distinct from that of Muslims, including a ‘‘wide cloth
belt.’’ They must not be given the Muslim greeting, ‘‘As
Salamu ‘alaykum’’ (‘‘Peace be with you’’). They must
‘‘keep to the side of the street’’ — that is, step off a
sidewalk to allow a Muslim to pass. They ‘‘may not build
higher than or as high as the Muslims’ buildings, though, if
they acquire a tall house, it is not razed.’’
Jewish and Christian dhimmis also ‘‘are forbidden to
openly display wine or pork . . . [another legal authority
adds] to ring church bells or display crosses, recite the
Torah or Evangel aloud, or make public display of their
funerals and feast days.’’ Perhaps most significantly,
Christians ‘‘are forbidden to build new churches.’’[44]
If dhimm is do not follow these laws, their property and
possibly their lives are forfeit.
Widely enforced in the Middle Ages and into the