History 1113
Informal Writing #4
In Worlds of History as well
as in class we have had occasion to discuss the emergence of Islam and
the first Islamic empire. As part of that discussion the
attitudes and policies of Muslims and Muslim leaders towards
non-Muslims within their societies, the dhimmis, have come in for
consideration. If we look at the records available to us in the
course materials (World of History,
pp. 250-260; Muslim Policy for Non-Muslims: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/pact-umar.html),
a complicated picture emerges. What, on balance, do you think the
attitudes and the policies in question were designed to achieve?
In making your evaluation you may find it helpful to examine Jerry
Bentley's essay on the spread of religions in Worlds of History, pp. 224-233 as
well as the materials on Islam and portable religions in The Human Web, pp. 88-94,
103-108. Also be sure to take into account all of the relevant
sources and support your arguments and conclusions with primary
source-based evidence.