Paul Albar

By the 9th century, Arabics of Muslim religion had established themselves throughout much of the land of Iberia, especially the southern part of the peninsula. Other religions, such as Christianity and Judaism, were safe as long as they subjected themselves to Islamic law. In addition, many Christians, or Mozarabs, still had separate land while under Islamic law. Mozarab means “Arabized,” as many Christians, although holding onto Christianity, converted to some Arabic traditions. Paul Albar, a scholarly Christian of Cordoba during this time period, had many writings expressing concern for Christianity in their submission to Islam. Choice 2 is a sample of one his more subtly expressed concern of Christians. Although not obvious to readers of contemporary society, Albar shows underlying anxiety in Choice 2. For instance, he shares how “Christians love to read [...] poems and romances …show more content…
Albar subtly displays expectations that Christians should be arguing against Arabs, not joining them or supporting them. He believes Christians should not pursue different culture, and should continue its traditional beliefs. Albar continues by including that “Christians read [...] with enthusiasm the Arab books[... and] despise Christians’ literature[.]” Albar did not have to add that they read with enthusiasm, but he did to express the unique detail. He, once again, does not expect Christians to be enjoying Arabic texts and to also despise literature of Christianity. Through his surprise, he again shows subtle disappointment, as Albar believes Christians should stay with their culture. When Albar continues to say Christians have forgotten their language, he uses ellipses. These ellipses express Albar’s “moment of silence” for Christian culture, as he is seeing it crumble. As Mozarabs wear Arabic clothes or pursue Arabic diet, Albar expresses,