Dhimmitude is an Islamic phenomenon. It defines the condition of submissive surrender to Islamic rule, yet without conversion to Islamic faith.
Under classical theological formulations developed in the first centuries of Islam, the region where Islam rules is known as Dar al-Islam, 'the house of Islam'.
Possible outcome of jihad
From the very beginning the Dar al-Islam included many non-Muslims; indeed they were normally in the majority after initial conquest. Based on the example of Muhammad's dealings with the conquered Jewish farmers of Khaybarm Fadak, Tayma and Wadi al-Qura, the institution of the dhimma or 'pact of protection' was developed to provide for those who refused to convert to Islam. The dhimma was granted by the conquerors as one possible outcome of military jihad. It assured the vanquished an institutional legal framework which guaranteed their religious freedom, and determined their social and economic place in the Islamic state. In return, the people of the pact, or dhimmis, were required to pay tribute in perpetuity to the Muslim Umma (community), and to adopt a position of humble servitude to the Umma.
