All throughout history, religion has been a driving force creating and developing nations. For some, the spread of religion was passed from person to person on peaceful terms, but for others, military expansion broadened the civilization’s religious boarders rapidly. Early Muslims participated in Jihad to spread Islam to foreign territories and unite the community. Similarly, Christians engaged in combative behavior to recover the Holy City and purge the land of Muslims and Jews. Although Muslims and Christians had different goals, both religions partook in Holy Wars, in the name of God, against external religions to validate the importance of their religion. The primary sources, An Account of Pope Urban’s Speech at Clermont, The Capture of
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Solomon bar Simson explains how the Jewish communities were attacked by the Frenchmen and Germans, who were taking over the land to get to Jerusalem. Simson describes how the invaders came into the city and massacred the residents practicing Judaism, as well as destroyed important Jewish symbols. The passage reads, “The foe attacked the community of Speyer and murdered eleven holy souls who sanctified their Creator on the holy Sabbath.”6 This quote shows how the Crusaders wiped out the opposing religion with no sign of remorse. The Crusaders waged war upon the Jews even though the Jews did not fight back, but rather remained peaceful in the hopes that God would spare them their lives. Although the Crusaders gave the Jews the option to convert to Christianity, many chose to be slain as Jews rather than adopt the new religion. “The Jews, inspired by the valor of their brethren, similarly chose to be slain in order to sanctify the Name before the eyes of all…”7 The Jews preferred to die as a Jew rather than pretend to adopt Christianity and deject Judaism. Because of this, many Jews lost their lives during the Crusades, leading to the Christian population appearing to expand. This passage shows the fear and military expansion the Crusades inflicted upon foe religions. Although Muhammad’s Jihad allowed for the enemy’s to reside peacefully in their towns, both the …show more content…
Ibn Al-Qalanisi narrates the attack of the Crusaders through the land and upon Jerusalem. He explains how the Crusaders continued to fight regardless of the poor conditions they faced and because of their determination, they were able to defeat the defending armies and eventually conquer Jerusalem. Just as Simson explained, this narrative describes how the Crusaders killed a great number of Muslims, only sparing a few who were able to escape the city. One line reads, “The swords of the Franks were given mastery over the Muslims, and death was meted out to the footmen, volunteers, and townsfolk, about ten thousand souls, and the camp was plundered.”8 The Crusaders viewed all members of Islam as enemies and were willing to kill nearly everyone they encountered, regardless of age or job. The Crusaders waged a fierce battle against the Muslims resulting in great casualties for the Muslims. Once again, the Crusades could be considered a Jihad because both religions expanded through rival religions territory fighting off those who were of opposing religion, plundering the loot, and continuing forward on their
Solomon bar Simson explains how the Jewish communities were attacked by the Frenchmen and Germans, who were taking over the land to get to Jerusalem. Simson describes how the invaders came into the city and massacred the residents practicing Judaism, as well as destroyed important Jewish symbols. The passage reads, “The foe attacked the community of Speyer and murdered eleven holy souls who sanctified their Creator on the holy Sabbath.”6 This quote shows how the Crusaders wiped out the opposing religion with no sign of remorse. The Crusaders waged war upon the Jews even though the Jews did not fight back, but rather remained peaceful in the hopes that God would spare them their lives. Although the Crusaders gave the Jews the option to convert to Christianity, many chose to be slain as Jews rather than adopt the new religion. “The Jews, inspired by the valor of their brethren, similarly chose to be slain in order to sanctify the Name before the eyes of all…”7 The Jews preferred to die as a Jew rather than pretend to adopt Christianity and deject Judaism. Because of this, many Jews lost their lives during the Crusades, leading to the Christian population appearing to expand. This passage shows the fear and military expansion the Crusades inflicted upon foe religions. Although Muhammad’s Jihad allowed for the enemy’s to reside peacefully in their towns, both the …show more content…
Ibn Al-Qalanisi narrates the attack of the Crusaders through the land and upon Jerusalem. He explains how the Crusaders continued to fight regardless of the poor conditions they faced and because of their determination, they were able to defeat the defending armies and eventually conquer Jerusalem. Just as Simson explained, this narrative describes how the Crusaders killed a great number of Muslims, only sparing a few who were able to escape the city. One line reads, “The swords of the Franks were given mastery over the Muslims, and death was meted out to the footmen, volunteers, and townsfolk, about ten thousand souls, and the camp was plundered.”8 The Crusaders viewed all members of Islam as enemies and were willing to kill nearly everyone they encountered, regardless of age or job. The Crusaders waged a fierce battle against the Muslims resulting in great casualties for the Muslims. Once again, the Crusades could be considered a Jihad because both religions expanded through rival religions territory fighting off those who were of opposing religion, plundering the loot, and continuing forward on their