Why are followers of Judaism referred to as "People of the Book?
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Answer:
People of the Book is an Islamic term which refers to Jews, Christians, and Sabians. It is also used in Judaism to refer to the Jewish people and by members of some Christian denominations to refer to themselves.
The Quran uses the term in reference to Jews, Christians and Sabians in a variety of contexts, from religious polemics to passages emphasizing the community of faith among those who possess monotheistic scriptures. The term was later extended to other religious communities that fell under Muslim rule, including Sikhs and even the polytheistic Hindus.[citation needed] Historically, these communities were subject to the dhimma contract in an Islamic state. The Quran speaks respectfully about the People of the Book and permits marriage of Muslim men to women who are People of the Book (Jewish and Christian women); in the case of a Muslim-Christian marriage, which is to be contracted only after permission from the Christian party, the Christian women should not be prevented from attending church for prayer and worship, according to the Ashtiname of Muhammad.
In Judaism the term "People of the Book" has come to refer to the Jewish people, in reference to the Torah or the entire Hebrew Bible.
Members of some Christian denominations, such as the Baptists, Methodists, Seventh-day Adventist Church,[7][8] as well as Puritans and Shakers, have embraced the term "People of the Book" in reference to themselves.