The people of the book refer to Jews and Christians; later extended to Zoroastrians and Hindus.

• A. Mawali
• B. Dhimmis
• C. Abbasids
• D. Hadiths

Answer: (B)

Dhimmi is the status of non-Muslims living under Muslim rule who are granted protection in exchange for accepting certain obligations. The phrase people of the book originally referred to Jews and Christians, but in various periods rulers and jurists extended protective status to other communities as well, such as Zoroastrians and Hindus. Under dhimmi status, these communities could practice their religion and manage internal affairs, but they paid the jizya tax and faced specific legal and social restrictions. This concept sits at the heart of how Muslim-ruled societies organized religious minorities. The other terms refer to different ideas: mawali are non-Arab Muslims or client subjects, Abbasids are a ruling dynasty, and Hadiths are sayings of the Prophet.