Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
A Noachide is generally not considered Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book) in the technical sense of Islamic jurisprudence. Classical Islamic law also did not establish a distinct dhimmi category for Noachides, while Islam emphasizes justice, kindness, and respectful treatment toward those who believe in one God and live morally.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
Are Noachides Considered Ahl al-Kitab?
In Islamic jurisprudence, Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book) primarily denotes Jews and Christians. Some scholars broaden this classification to include communities with a revealed scripture, such as Sabians and Zoroastrians.
However, a Noachide is generally not classified as Ahl al-Kitab in the technical legal sense. While Noachides believe in one God and adhere to the Seven Noahide Laws, they do not belong to a historically recognized scriptural community with its own revealed scripture.
How Does Islam View Righteous Noachides?
Nevertheless, Islam holds such beliefs in high regard, respecting individuals who worship one God, reject idolatry, and strive for a moral life. These values align closely with Islam’s teachings on fitrah (natural moral disposition) and its universal message.
Historically, the legal status of Dhimmi was primarily applied to recognized scriptural communities under Muslim rule. Since Noachides did not constitute a distinct legal community in classical Islamic law, they were not assigned a separate legal category. Today, this historical framework is no longer applicable, as modern states operate on principles of citizenship rather than religious status.
In summary, while a Noachide is not technically considered one of the People of the Book, Islam respects anyone who sincerely believes in one God, lives by moral principles, and seeks truth. Such individuals deserve kindness, justice, and respectful dialogue, with their ultimate judgment resting solely with Allah.
- Are We in Dar ul-Kufr?
- The Prophet’s Kindness Towards People of the Book
- Why Do We Respect The People of The Book?
- Scriptures of People of the Book
- How Did The People of The Book Change Their Books?
- Does The Muslim Prayer Come from Zoroastrianism?
Almighty Allah knows best.
