Реферат: Islamic Conquests Up To 700 Ad

by associating a tribal leader with the state.?

The status of the leader and the status of the state were inextricably

linked.? Thus the Islamic state?s

leaders could rely on tribal leader?s to organise and control their own

tribesmen.? Therefore we see the Islamic

state, not as a mass of homogenous Muslims, but a series of tribes linked by

Islam and a common acceptance, at least in the early stages, of centralised

authority.? Significantly the nature of Islam

itself aided the development of social and political unity.? The umma, or community of believers, was

based on principles that encouraged not only political and social cohesion but

expansion. The monotheistic nature of Islam consciously implied the need to

expand.? Muslims were taught that the

House of Islam and the House of War were separate.? The people of the world could be sharply divided into Muslims and

non-Muslims, and as the Qu?ran says ?There is no God but God?.? By implying the universal and unique nature

of god, and the overriding moral authority of God, Islam provided the impetus

for political unification and centralisation.?

As Muhammad was God?s presence on earth it is easy to see how he was

associated with power.? His perceived

relationship with God aided the construction of a legal system less reliant on

blood feuds and retaliation, as well as legitimising centralised taxation and

control.? Once Islam and the Islamic

state?s power had been created and legitimised successive leaders furthered

centralisation and control.? Sedentary

tribes were given precedence over nomadic ones.? Indeed Nomadism was frowned upon by the Islamic state.? By emphasising the dominance of the

sedentary tribes around Medina, notably the muharijun and the Quraysh, the

state associated power with sedentary, centralised tribes.? Further actions show a desire for the nomads

to settle.? Upon conquest individuals

were only permitted to receive the lucrative ata, or stipend, if they settled:

?the sooner one settles, the sooner one receives the stipend?.? This desire for settlement can surely be