The economic life of Jewish dhimmis in the lands of Islam within the Sharifian Empire up to the beginning of the 20th century

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the legal status and socio-economic positioning of Jewish communities established in the lands of Islam, particularly in Morocco, up to the beginning of the twentieth century, in order to assess the actual scope of their condition as dhimmis in light of the often reductive interpretations proposed in the literature. The article adopts a legal-historical approach based on a critical documentary review of academic literature, normative sources of classical Islamic law, as well as rabbinic documents such as responsa and Taqqanot. It focuses more specifically on examining the rights granted to these communities in terms of legal protection, property rights, institutional autonomy, and participation in economic life.

The analysis shows that dhimmi status was not merely a regime of exclusion, but rather organized a form of differentiated integration combining legal recognition, communal autonomy, and the preservation of identity. Jewish communities actively participated in economic life through trade, specialized crafts, certain monetary and financial functions, and, to a lesser extent, agriculture. The study also highlights the economic relations between Muslims and dhimmis, as well as the role of rabbinic authorities in regulating disputes related to credit, transactions, property, and the use and enjoyment of goods.

The article also contributes to nuancing one-dimensional representations of the Jewish condition in the lands of Islam by showing that the framework of dhimma generated both rights and constraints, as well as specific modes of economic integration. Finally, it underscores the gap that can sometimes be observed between legal norms and historical practices, which were occasionally marked by abuses, fiscal pressures, or social vulnerabilities.

Classification JEL : K15

Paper type: Theoretical Research