Tolerance can't explain 'dhimmi'
Re: "Islam tolerant through most of|history", Letters, April 24.
I’m enjoying the little go-round between Ian Martin and Dean Barrett on the issue of tolerance under Muslim rule.
I’m not familiar with Islamic history, but I do know that Islam once promoted the concept of dhimmitude. Until the mid-19th century Jews and Christians living under Muslim rule were called dhimmi if they refused to convert to Islam. They were also subject to a special tax. I guess it’s better than being beheaded.
If Martin is so convinced of the historic tolerance of Islamic rule, I suggest he move to Raqqa in Syria and tell the Islamic State about it. He might want to wear a neck-guard.
Bilal al-Kaffir
