History of Islam

taliban offers refuge to osama bin laden

If you are referring to the Golden Age of Islamic Spain (800s-1000s), the Muslims were in power at that time, so they treated themselves quite well. The Jews and Christians were treated as second-class citizens in what would today be called apartheid, but what was at that time rather tolerant.

Hazarat Ibrahim A. S.

Islam spread quickly due to a number of factors. It is notable that although there are a few occurrences of Muslims carrying out the "Convert or Die" scenario, this is not the most common reason for Islam's expansion both in terms of territory and belief. It is also important to note that just because the religion of Islam spread by peaceful means, does not mean that the territorial expansion of Islamic Empires also occurred by peaceful means. No Empire has ever acquired more territory by just asking for it (except perhaps the Nazis with Sudetenland).

1) Arabia - What's that?: Prior to Mohammed, Arabia had been seen as a cultural and political backwater barely worth notice and therefore Mohammed's consolidation of the Arab Tribes was not seriously considered by the Byzantine and Sassanian Empires. This lead to a very porous southern defense and miscalculation of the Islamic Armies.

2) Byzantine-Sassanian Wars: Since the Byzantines and Sassanians considered each other the only real civilizations in the region, they fought each other numerous times in the early 600s C.E. over control of what is today East Turkey and Iraq. These were intense religious wars (Christian vs. Zoroastrian) and greatly weakened both empires at just the wrong time.

3) Tribal Command Structure: Arab Tribes and warriors owed their loyalty to their Sheikhs and leaders without fault because the Sheikh provided each person with all of the amenities and protection necessary to live a full life. Whenever the Arabs went to war, the Sheikhs could count on the ability to muster their tribesmen as soldiers without issue.

4) Support of the Locals: Since the Byzantine Empire and Sassanian Empire were engaged in religious zealotry, it stands to reason that they did not tolerate their religious minorities very well. The Muslims professed to (and did) treat minorities far better than either of these Empires. This led to religious minorities (especially Jews) from within the conquered territories helping Muslims to secure outposts and positions, freeing the Muslims to continue to spread the religion.

5) Citizenship by Conversion: The Islamic Empire was interesting in that being the leader or a person of import in the Empire was not contingent on ethnicity or place of birth as was the case of most prior empires. All a person had to do to gain power and prestige was to convert to Islam. This simple integration mechanism resulted in massive number of Persians, Berbers, and Turks converting to Islam. In fact, the furthest expansions of Islam (Spain, India, West China, South Russia, the Balkans) were all accomplished by non-Arabs (respectively Berbers, Persians/Mughals, Turkmen, Azeris, and Ottomans).

6) Warfare: The leaders charged with expanding the influence of Islam were thoughtful and diligent military leaders. Caliph 'Omar, who conquered much of the Levant, Egypt, Persia, and Iraq was well-known as a strategist and a fighter. It was this knowledge of warfare that allowed Muslim forces to expand the territory's influence.

7) Universality: Islam, as a religion, claims salvation for all people in all places, making the religion very attractive, especially to people born into low castes and bad economic positions.

8) Commerce: Islam, like most religions, spread also through peaceful means of commerce and education whereby non-Muslims learned of the faith and adopted as their own amidst business dealings with Muslims.

The prophet (SAW) was hoping that the pagans of Quraysh and in Arabia would accept the message of Islam peaceful also wanted to counter the Quraysh

war mongering attitude with a spirit of peace.

Islam spread via trade routes to West Africa and to Southeast via the Indian Ocean to Central Asia and China via the Silk Routes.

Some still live in Spain especially in the southern parts. Others either converted to other religions or moved to the Arab countries of Northern Africa (e.g. Morocco, Algeria, and Libya)

No No

because their stuck up freeks who have to control everything

Yes, Saladin had several siblings. He was born into a prominent Kurdish family, and his brothers included Al-Malik al-Afdal and Al-Malik al-Zahir. His family played significant roles in the political and military affairs of the time, especially during the Crusades. Saladin's brother, Al-Malik al-Afdal, served as a vizier under him and was involved in various military campaigns.

When the Muslim Moors conquered Spain, they hoped for several key outcomes, including the establishment of a prosperous and culturally rich society that blended Islamic and Iberian traditions. They aimed to spread the teachings of Islam and expand their religious influence throughout the region. Additionally, they sought to enhance agricultural and scientific advancements, fostering a thriving economy. Lastly, they aspired to create a unified political entity that would strengthen their control over the Iberian Peninsula.

Muslims established a trading empire primarily due to their strategic geographic location, which connected Europe, Asia, and Africa, facilitating trade across key routes such as the Silk Road and the Indian Ocean. The rise of Islam in the 7th century fostered a shared cultural and economic framework, encouraging trade among diverse regions. Major cities like Baghdad, Cairo, and Mecca became vibrant trade hubs, where goods, ideas, and technologies were exchanged. This extensive network not only boosted economic prosperity but also promoted cultural and intellectual exchanges throughout the Islamic world.

Before the Reconquista, Spain was primarily ruled by Muslim forces, specifically the Moors, who invaded the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century. This period saw the establishment of various Islamic kingdoms, known as taifas, that coexisted with Christian states. The Reconquista, which began in the late 15th century, was a series of campaigns by Christian kingdoms to reclaim territory from Muslim rule, ultimately leading to the fall of Granada in 1492.

The work of Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barevi was crucial in the period of his lifetime in reviving Islam, however the likes of Shah Waliullah and Haji Shariatullah also contributed to a vast extent in this category.

Syed Ahmed Barelvi's work took him to numerous military expeditions all over India. Before leavign for Hajj, he scouted all of India, as well as Afghanistan for people willing to take up the cause for Jihad. Upon returning, he immediately set his eyes towards the Sikh ruler of Punjab, Ranjit Singh, who had been accustomed to oppressing Muslims. The dismissal of Syed Ahmed Barelvi's ultimatum led to him defeating the Sikhs at Okara and then Hazrothe. These victories rekindled the dying embers of hope in the Muslims and united them in a singular cause of armed struggle against those who treated the Muslims with hostility.

Upon being established as an 'imam', he also ensured that the Muslims would not fight against each other and succumb to the strategy of the Sikhs', who had been exploiting the fact that Syed Ahmed Barelvi's army was made up of different communities, something they rendered 'un-Islamic'.

He further anulled any chances of fighting of fellow Muslims fighting one other when he moved his headquarters to Balakot, so as to avoid fighting with Yar Muhammad's brother and his army. Even when was betrayed and ambushed upon, he and his army fought to the very end, regardless of the consequences. The principles he believed in were very rare. He disregarded worldly luxuries and inspired all those around him to be a sincere and devout Muslim.

Another prominent leader in this period was Shah Waliullah. His works were numerous, but very decisive. According to him, the Muslims in India were deprived of a deep understanding of their religion. So, he availed himself as a role model, accessible to all those who sought help in understanding Islam. Furthermore, he also wrote 51 books, many of which were important and helped the Islamic community. For example, his account of the lives of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs was written in such a way that it was acceptable to both the Sunnis and Sh'ias. This helped in soothing the religious differences between the two.

Furthermore, Shah Waliullah translated the Qur'an into Persian, a widely spoken language in the sub-continent so that the Muslims could understand what the message of Islam really was. It was on this basis that the two sons of Shah Waliullah translated the Qur'an into Urdu, making it even more accessible.

The efforts of Shah Waliullah to unite the Muslims against the ever-offensive Marathas was also crucial in this period. Even though many nobles declined, he managed to persuade Ahmed Shah Abdali of Persia to defeat the Marathas in 1761 further prolonging the short-lived freedom Muslims had. Besides, the 'madrassa' run by Shah Waliullah was also to play a pivotal part in the live of Syed Ahmad Barelvi as it was here that he learned of the Islamic teachings and principles, under his sons.

As for Haji Shariatullah, his work was based on the Faraizi Movement. His continuous urging to Muslims to stand up for their rights led to them no longer bearing the down-trodden chains of the Hindu and British landlords. His work led to unity within the Muslims in Bengal, they now realized their rights and that they too could work for their own cause.

His work, to some extent, raised the spiritual and economic situations of these Muslims and it was he who acted as inspiration for his son, Mohsin-ud-din, who was to later further his work and establish the Muslims as a united force who helped one another, as brothers-in-arms, according to the principles of Islam.

To conclude, each and every leader played a very crucial role in their own way, however some played it better than than the others, namely, Shah Waliullah. His work in reviving Islam was spread all across the subcontinent and his work was very diverse. However, as compared to him, Haji Shariatullah's work was confined to East Bengal, and his movement died after a short life. As for Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi, his work, though essential, was met with failure. He was unsuccessful in his original goal; to establish Muslims rulers and ultimately died a noble death.

*Written as per CIE O' Levels standards, as required.

Saladin was primarily trying to retake Jerusalem during the Crusades. After the city fell to the Crusaders in 1099, Saladin, the Muslim leader and Sultan of Egypt and Syria, sought to reclaim it. He successfully captured Jerusalem in 1187 after a decisive victory at the Battle of Hattin. This event marked a significant turning point in the conflict between Muslim forces and the Crusaders.

During the Reconquista, Muslim leaders first lost control of the northern region of Spain, specifically in areas such as Asturias. The pivotal Battle of Covadonga in 722 marked the beginning of Christian resistance, which laid the foundation for the gradual reclamation of territory from Muslim rule. This early loss set the stage for subsequent Christian advances throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

In 1492 the Islamic Empire finally left Spain but i dont know when it began.

The Reconquest, or Reconquista, was the centuries-long campaign by Christian kingdoms to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule, culminating in 1492 with the capture of Granada. Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon utilized the Reconquest to unify Spain under Christian rule and consolidate their power, establishing a strong centralized monarchy. This victory not only strengthened their political authority but also set the stage for the Spanish Inquisition and the expansion of Spanish influence through exploration and colonization.

In 661, Muawiyah, the founder of the Umayyad Dynasty successfully defeated Ali and ended the Rightly-Guided Caliphate. The way Caliphs (Islamic Rulers) had come to power was through minor elections between those closest to the Prophet. Most believe that the Rightly-Guided Caliphs were people who attempted to guide Islam properly and were only interested in benefiting their people and expanding Islam. Muawiyah made control of the Islamic Empire hereditary (the Umayyad and Abbassid Empires were both hereditary) and the Umayyad Caliphs were seen to be incredibly ostentatious and non-religious. As Umayyads expanded their power, they began to set up regional governors and entrusted them with a lot of local authority. Also, the religious elite separated from the Umayyads and made the judiciary (which was run by the religious elite) a more independent body from the Caliph.

It depends entirely on the time period. Perfectly acceptable answers include: the Abbassids, Buyids, Samanids, Khwarezmids, Assassins, Safavids, Qajjars, and Pahlavi Iran.

The Holy Prophet(p.b.u.h) received his first revelation in the month of Ramadhan.

No. The Ottomans adopted Islam and today some 99.5% of Turks are at least titularly Muslim.