Expansion Of The Muslim Empire

In the early years within the continually growing Muslim Empire, there continued to be a question which affected all of those adherent to the word of Muhammad. What does it mean to be a Muslim? Such a question is to be expected in the formation of Confessional Empires, as the same can be seen in the west with Christianity; is it right to follow the Nicene Creed or the Arian doctrine? But in the expansion of the Muslim Empire, the question is seen much differently as it could contain not just a religious component but also social and political components as well. As seen in many primary sources, the question of what it means to be a Muslim is explored in many facets, through the Treaty with Christians in The Capitulation of Najran, an appeal …show more content…
The agreement between the primarily Christian populace of Najran and Muhammad shows very interesting insight to how the early Muslim expansion dealt with the adherents of other religions, not only in their religious aspects, but also on a political and economic level. Firstly, from the account of this treaty it is understood that the citizens of Najran must pay a tax consisting of “two thousand robes – one thousand in Safar and one thousand in Rajab – each one of which should have the value of one ounce, the ounce weighing 40 dirhams…And whatever weapons, horses, camels or other goods they offered, should be accepted instead of instead of the robes, if they are the same value.” And in return the denizens of Najran shall receive “Allah’s covenant and [The Prophet’s] promise.” It is clear from this excerpt that the treaty is here imposing the Jizya levy tax on Non-Muslims. This treatise shows that the Muslims are looking to maintain a good relationship with the Christians of Najran, they do not assert themselves through extravagant taxation or suppression, but instead offer protection by the Muslim Empire. Furthermore, on a political level, Najran is accepted into the Muslim demesne with certain caveats which would, in the minds of some, put them at a disadvantage to their Muslim counterparts. For example, in the Capitulation of …show more content…
In Najran, the Christians are allowed to keep their religion but pay the non-Muslim tax of Jizya and Karaj, whereas in the case of Al-Afsin, the regional leaders of provinces must strictly obey the word of Muhammad and the Verse of the Qur’an. There is a clear reason for why this distinction is made; the Muslims require that all high authorities be a part of their religion else they might feel distant to the hierarchy or Islam, whereas on the level of a community, it makes more sense to allow for a group to keep their religion rather than sow discontent by forcing