The phrase identifies teams of individuals acknowledged in Islam as having acquired earlier scriptures from God previous to the Quran. These teams are typically understood to incorporate Jews, Christians, and typically Sabians, who’re believed to own divinely revealed texts, although probably altered over time. An occasion of its use could be in discussions regarding interfaith relations inside Islamic societies, authorized standing, or historic interactions.
Acknowledging this frequent heritage serves to foster understanding and tolerance. Traditionally, it supplied a framework for the remedy of spiritual minorities inside Islamic rule, granting them a protected standing and sure rights. This idea acknowledges shared theological roots and promotes peaceable coexistence regardless of differing non secular practices and beliefs.