In this study of the legal and social condition of Jews and Christians subjected to Islamic rule (the dhimmis), Bat Ye'or examines various religious and historical sources, using the new term 'dhimmitude' to describe their common history and legal status. Some of the laws derive from the special status institutionalized by the Church Fathers for Jews; once Islamized, these laws were incorporated into Muslim jurisprudence applicable for Christians and Jews alike. Dhimmitude is thus discussed from the perspective of Muslim theology, and also in regard to Christian attitudes to both Jews and Zionists.