THE RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL REALITY OF CHRISTIANS IN AL-ANDALUS UNDER UMAYYAD RULE (138-422 AH / 756-1031 CE)

Abstract

     The Muslims quickly conquered Spain in 92 AH / 711 CE due to various factors and reasons, including the support of the Christian ruler of Ceuta, Julian, who allied with the Muslims and encouraged the conqueror Tariq ibn Ziyad, governor of Tangier since 85 AH / 704 CE, to enter Spain. They also punished the Gothic ruler, Duke Rodrigo Teodofredo, who ruled over Spain, and it was under his reign that Spain was conquered. The campaign was successful, with victories achieved by Tariq ibn Ziyad and the conqueror and governor Musa ibn Nusayr (86-96 AH / 705-715 CE). Toledo, the capital of the Goths, fell to the Muslims and Spain came under Islamic rule. Since the conquest, Christians in Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) lived their normal lives because the teachings of Islam respect non-Muslims (people of the covenant) if they choose to live under Islamic rule. The message of Islam came to complete Judaism and Christianity as the final divine revelation, and the application of these teachings in reality achieved respect and co-existence between different segments of society. Many Christians embraced the Islamic faith, particularly in the period after the conquest (92-95 AH / 711-714 CE), during the reign of the governors (96-138 AH / 715-755 CE) and under the Umayyad Caliphate (138-422 AH / 756-1031 CE). Some Christians, known as Mozarabs, continued to practice their own faith and coexisted with Muslims.

The purpose of this article is to describe the reality of life for Christians (Mozarabs) in Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) during the Umayyad Caliphate (138-422 AH / 756-1031 CE), which was the most powerful state in the Western Islamic world in general and in Al-Andalus in particular. The role of the Mozarabs was prominent during this period, whether through coexistence with the Muslims or through the Mozarab revolt that occurred during the reign of Prince Abd al-Rahman II ibn al-Hakam (206-238 AH / 822-852 CE). This article attempts to shed light on the reality of the Mozarabs without delving into terminology and historical narratives, relying on translated Western studies that have added considerable value to the subject compared to Arabic sources that have received less attention.The main issue addressed in this article isHow did Christians live in Al-Andalus under Umayyad rule?