Al-Andalus as a Symbol of Islamic Religious Tolerance

Abstract

The Research examines the history of religious tolerance and coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Al-Andalus (Iberian Peninsula) since Muslims first arrived in the Peninsula, and how Muslims, during their reign, fostered and promoted justice, equality and tolerance among Andalusian society's diverse demographic segments. Furthermore, the Research addresses the question of how Muslims dealt with Dhimmis (non-Muslims living in an Islamic State with legal protection), granting them full rights, including the freedom to profess their faith and worship in their churches and temples, as well as permit them to construct new churches away from religious persecution? In fact, Muslims went far than that, as they participated in Christian religious feasts and social events. Moreover, the Research draws on vivid examples that demonstrate Muslims' righteousness in ruling an Andalusian community, which included Muslims, Christians, Jews, and people of various ethnicities. It also highlights how the aforementioned ethnicities were granted complete freedom to innovate in all realms of innovation; therefore, there were physicians, philosophers, poets, engineers, writers, diplomats, translators, and custodians of State secrets among them.