Dhimmis' Servitudes in Seville
(c. 1100)
A Muslim must not act as masseur to a Jew or Christian;
he must not clear their rubbish nor clean
their latrines. In fact, the Jew and the Christian
are more suited for such work, which are degrading
tasks. A Muslim must not act as a guide or
stableman for an animal owned by a Jew or
Christian; he must not act as their donkey-driver
or hold the stirrups for them. If it be noticed
that a Muslim contravenes these prohibitions,
he shall be rebuked (p. 108).
A Jew must not slaughter an animal for a
Muslim. The Jews may be authorized to open
their own special butcher shops (p. 110).
It is forbidden to sell a coat that once
belonged to a leper, to a Jew or Christian,
unless the buyer is informed of its origin;
likewise if this garment once belonged to
a debauched person (p. 112).
No tax-officer or policeman, Jew or Christian
may be allowed to wear the dress of an aristocrat,
nor of a jurist, nor of a wealthy individual;
on the contrary they must be detested and
avoided. It is forbidden to accost them with
the greeting "Peace upon you!" (as-salam
alayka!). In effect, "Satan has gained
the mastery over them, and caused them to
forget God's Remembrance. Those are Satan's
party; why, Satan's party, surely they are
the losers!" (Koran 58:20) A distinctive
sign must be imposed upon them in order that
they may be recognized and this will be for
them a form of disgrace (p. 114).
The sound of bells must be prohibited in
Muslim territories and reserved only for the
lands of the infidels (p. 123).
It is forbidden to sell to Jews and Christians
scientific books unless they treat of their
particular law. They have in fact translated
scientific books and attributed them to their
coreligionists and to their bishops, whereas
they are really the work of Muslims! It would
be preferable not to let Jewish or Christian
physicians be able to heal Muslims. Since
they are incapable of noble sentiments toward
Muslims, let them treat their fellow infidels;
knowing their feelings, how is it possible
to entrust the lives of Muslims to them? (p.
128).
lbn Abdun, in L. Levi-Provencal
Sources: Bat Ye'or, The
Dhimmi. Rutherford: Fairleigh Dickinson
University Press, 1985. |