1000 years ago, Islamic societies from Spain to Iraq were the most pluralistic and tolerant societies in the world. The intellectual ferment of Christians, Jews , Persians, Hindu-Buddhists traditions mixed with Muslim scholary pursuit produced societies that were ahead of Cristendom at the time.If people were put to the sword to convert, there would have been major revolt against Muslim rulers and their empire would have crumbled to dust within a few generations.200 years after the Muslim conquests, Egypt was still largely Christian and there was even a law banning conversion to Islam albeit only briefly!! Where is the sword in all this?
Whats right with Islam was the commitment to egalitarianism. Every Muslim is equal in society and in the eyes of God. A person born as a slave may find himself a Sultan later in life. Even a Christian or two may become a Grand Vizier.
In the Ottoman Empire, Jews were custom officers.When Spain threw them out, they went to Istanbul!! |
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