When large portions of Spain were Muslim, how were Christians and Jews treated?

Question

Before the conquests of Isabella and Ferdinand, the Inquisition, and the driving out of Muslims and Jews from Spain, what was it like for Christians and Jews to live in Muslim-ruled areas?

Answer 1

Hello,

Overall better than the other way around but there were problems a times For example on December 30, 1066, Joseph HaNagid, the Jewish vizier of Granada, Spain, was crucified by an Arab mob that proceeded to raze the Jewish quarter of the city and slaughter its 5,000 inhabitants. The riot was incited by Muslim preachers who had angrily objected to what they saw as inordinate Jewish political power.

Peoples subjected to Muslim rule usually had a choice between death and conversion, but Jews and Christians, who adhered to the Scriptures, were usually allowed, as dhimmis (protected persons), to practice their faith. This "protection" did little, however, to insure that Jews and Christians were treated well by the Muslims. On the contrary, an integral aspect of the dhimma was that, being an infidel, he had to acknowledge openly the superiority of the true believer — the Muslim.

In the early years of the Islamic conquest, the "tribute" (or jizya), paid as a yearly poll tax, symbolized the subordination of the dhimmi.33

Later, the inferior status of Jews and Christians was reinforced through a series of regulations that governed the behavior of the dhimmi. Dhimmis, on pain of death, were forbidden to mock or criticize the Koran, Islam or Muhammad, to proselytize among Muslims, or to touch a Muslim woman (though a Muslim man could take a non-Muslim as a wife).

"Dhimmis (Jews And Christians) were excluded from public office and armed service, and were forbidden to bear arms. They were not allowed to ride horses or camels, to build synagogues or churches taller than mosques, to construct houses higher than those of Muslims or to drink wine in public. They were forced to wear distinctive clothing and were not allowed to pray or mourn in loud voices — as that might offend the Muslims. The dhimmi also had to show public deference toward Muslims; for example, always yielding them the center of the road. The dhimmi was not allowed to give evidence in court against a Muslim, and his oath was unacceptable in an Islamic court. To defend himself, the dhimmi would have to purchase Muslim witnesses at great expense. This left the dhimmi with little legal recourse when harmed by a Muslim."

Cheers,

Michael Kelly

Answer 2

It depends on who the ruler was. Some treated Jews and Christians well, others did not. But when the Christians took back Spain, they forced Jews and Muslims to convert.

Answer 3

The Muslims were in southern Spain from the 8th century to 1492 --approximately seven centuries. There were periods of war and periods of peaceful coexistence.
Not all of the Jewish communities were in Muslim territory. The largest was in Barcelona, although for the last century before they were expelled, they lived almost everywhere in Spain.
The most important contribution during the late Middle Ages was the School of Translators of Toledo, where Christian, Jewish and Muslim scholars worked together in translating each other's work. Look it up, because it's worth reading about.

Answer 4

They were treated like red-headed (ginger) stepchildren! By the way I am THE ALL AMERICAN!!!!