Question

Compare and contrast the treatment of different religions by rulers of the Arab empire?????

Answer 1

Under the Rashidun (632-661) and Umayyan (661-750) caliphates, Arab Muslims expanded quickly. The Rashidun was the first caliphate of the four. They were able to construct a colossal empire after quick military victories against followers of different religions.

Significant cultural and religious conversion began to spread specifically during the Umayyan caliphate. The Umayyad's did not push subjects to convert and many subjects remained non-Muslim and paid a tax to remain non-Muslim which helped fund Umayyad political expansion. Many believed the Umayyad's were corrupt which led to their overthrow.

Under Abbasid (750-1258)  rule, many non-Arabs and non-Muslims were involved in the government and government administration. The Abbasid's put forth to create a more inclusive government with a diminishing difference between Arab Muslims and Non-Arab Muslims. Persian culture had a great influence on this regime. Under this rule many converted to Islam resulting in the spread of Islam.

After the decline of the Abbasid rule, the Ottoman caliphate (1520-1566) was the largest  and longest lasting empires. Under this rule, religion was incorporated into state structure and the Sultan was called "The Protector of Islam". Non-muslim communities were organized under the millet and devshirme systems.