Who Were the Dhimmi,and Why Were They Considered to Be

Who were the Dhimmi,and why were they considered to be protected subjects?

A) Women, because the five pillars advocate protecting women.
B) They were nonbelievers but protected because Islam was committed to protect all peoples.
C) They were Bedouin and the original followers of Muhammad.
D) They were the gods of other religions and viewed by Muslims as demons.
E) Christians and Hebrews, and protected because their holy books were recognized by Muhammad.