The status of the Jews in Muslim countries
“Our illustrious religion does not grant [the Jews] anything other than disgrace and inferiority. Therefore, even if a Jew raises his voice to a Muslim, it will be considered an offense against the conditions of the writ of protection.”
The Sultan of Morocco, Abd al-Rahman, in response to a request by the French consul in Tangiers, who asked him to improve the lot of his subjects, 1842
Jews Among Muslims The status of the Jews living in Muslim countries differed from place to place and from period to period. They were considered protected subjects (ahl al-dhimma) and restrictions were imposed on them that reflected their inferior standing, such as paying a special tax (called jizya), wearing items of clothing that distinguished them as non-Muslims, and residing in separate quarters.
Despite these discriminatory and humiliating laws, Jews and Muslims often maintained good neighborly relations. In many places, there were Jews who prospered and attained a high status.