How Muslims Conquered the World with Dr Jaan Islam
May 22, 2024
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Dr Jaan Islam discusses the geopolitical landscape of Arabia during Prophet Muhammad's time, highlighting the interconnectedness with Roman and Persian Empires. They explore strategic and religious motivations behind early Muslim conquests, emphasizing governance, diversity management, and the importance of unity and education in Islamic history.
Early Muslims aimed to spread justice and dominance of Islam over polytheism through conquests.
Muslim governance emphasized justice, peace, and respect for non-Muslim minorities in conquered territories.
Islamic governance promoted legal pluralism, diversity, and shared values over enforced homogeneity.
Deep dives
Motivations for Islamic Military Expansion
The early Muslims viewed the expansion of Islam as a means to spread justice and establish the dominance of their belief system over polytheism. They aimed to remove any worship other than submission to God, emphasizing the obligation to submit to divine authority. The messianic belief that Islam's justice would prevail globally further fueled their mission.
Application of Justice and Toleration in Conquests
During conquests, the Muslims sought to instill justice and maintain peace agreements. They offered options to non-Muslim populations, including paying the jizya tax, converting to Islam, or maintaining autonomy while adhering to certain conditions. The emphasis on ethical governance and respect for non-Muslim minorities characterized their approach.
Diplomacy and Multicultural Governance
Muslim governance of non-Muslim societies incorporated diplomacy, respect for diverse beliefs, and recognition of individual rights. Unlike modern uniformity models, Islam allowed for legal pluralism, with different populations following their respective laws and customs under an overarching Islamic framework. Unity was based on shared values rather than enforced homogeneity.
Muslim Societies' Normative Practices on Dealing with Difference
In Muslim societies governing diverse populations inclusive of Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, and Hindus, normative practices involved establishing independent outposts, known as Amsaar, on the fringes of urban areas. These outposts allowed for self-education, adherence to Islamic principles, and avoidance of detrimental influences. Unlike modern concepts of uniformity, these societies prioritized self-governance within diverse religious and cultural frameworks, fostering coexistence while maintaining Islamic ideals.
Lessons from Early Islamic Conquests and Governance Model
The early Muslim conquests and governance strategies provide valuable insights for present-day Muslims. The emphasis is on intentions driving actions, as exemplified in the swift internalization of Quranic principles by early converts. Unlike focusing solely on quantity, the quality based on Islamic ideals was fundamental. Historical accounts showcase an organic method of Islamic change that prioritizes maintaining core values without compromising under challenging circumstances, offering a profound lesson in maintaining faith and unity amidst diverse global challenges.
Dr Jaan Islam completed his PhD on Islamic political thought at the University of Edinburgh, and has researched and taught at the University of Oxford and King’s College, London. He writes on Islamic history, political philosophy and decolonial theory.
