Definitions for "People of the Book"
Muhammad's designation for Jews and Christians, and sometimes Zoroastrians and Hindus. Because their religions featured scriptures and some aspect of divine revelation, they were not required to convert. However, they were required to pay a special tax (the jizya) for the privalege.
phrase - (Arabic: Ahl al-Kitaab) Phrase used by Muslims to describe their co-religionists, Christians and Jews, who worship the same God. People of the Book are afforded a special position in Islam, with rules set out for their treatment and rights that are not afforded to those whose views are contrary to Islam. At various times, members of other faiths, notably Zoroastrians in Iran, have been and are considered People of the Book.
(‘ahm has-SE-fer) n. People of the book; the Jews.