Kitabia Definition: Muslim law: women who qualify for marriage with Muslim men as belonging to acceptable religions for this purpose. Related Terms: Muslim, Dhimmi, Miscegenation Also kitabi for men. Of the book as in a revealed religion; usually in reference to the Old Testament of the Bible. It is from the pool of persons of these faiths that a Muslim male is allowed to choose a wife or wives. According to Muslim law jurist Hussain: “The Quran (Koran) prohibits marriage with polytheists, it permits a Muslim man to marry a woman from the people of the book which is usually interpreted as being a woman from the Jewish or Christian communities. Such women are called kitabiyyah.” Similarly, Mulla writes: “Kitabi means a male who believes in Christianity or Judaism. Kitabia is a female who believes in either of these religions.” Verma suggests: “As to what constitutes a kitabi religion has not yet been finally settled. It seems to have been conceded by a general consensus of opinion that it covers the case of Christians and Jews.... “It is unlawful for a Mohammadan woman to marry any man who is not a Mohammadan, whether he is a kitabi or not. “A Mohammadan male may marry a non-Mohammadan woman if she is a kitabia but not a woman who is an idolatress or a fire worshipper." Sometimes used as a synonym for dhimmi. REFERENCES: Hussain, J., Islamic Law and Society (Sydney: Federation Press, 1999), page 61 Mulla, D., Principles of Mahomedan Law, 14th Ed. (Bombay: The Eastern Law House, 1955), page 234 Verma, B.R., Islamic Law-Personal Being Commentaries on Mohammedan Law in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, 6th Edition (Allahabad, India: Law Publishers, 1986), pages 88-89 Categories & Topics: Muslim Law Dictionary Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!