Reading Response Question
What can we learn from the primary sources about the conditions of life for Jews and Christians under Muslim rule? What argument do you think Cohen makes about the position of Jews living under other religious groups during the Middle Ages?
As we see from the events that occurred to the Jews, the wrath, and torture of the Populace, it is evident that their life was not easy as they lived in fear of death from the large population. However, the efforts made by just leaders like the Al-Hakim soften their hearts, and they lived to praise him. “…and ask for abundant blessing upon our lord and Caliph.” However, we see that even after the conquest, the Jews and Christians retained their post as leaders but were under the supervision of Muslim rulers.
It is also clear from the Pact of Umar that the Jews and Christian were not that much favored because the Pact was suppressing them. As we see, the Pact was written by Muslims but in the Jews and Christians’ place to make it seem that the Non-Muslims wholeheartedly agreed to it. However, the Pact assured them of peace and protection. It was not the case since there was some suspicion and oppression among the leaders who came into power a long time after the Umar reign.
Furthermore, Cohen argues that the Jews under the Muslim Rule were better than those under Christian rule for many reasons. Christian rule tended to waive Jurisdiction over the Jews while under Muslim rule, they were allowed to enjoy internal autonomy in religious and most civil matters but remain under the Jurisdiction of Islamic Law. It is also clear that Jews under Muslim rule were not singled out but placed under the broader category and treated like the other Non-Muslims. However, in Christendom, they were the only infidels living among Christians.
It is also well known that Jews under the Christian rule often endured collective punishment 0f an alleged or actual transgression of individuals. However, cases of mob assault on an entire Jewish community because one Jew violated the Pact were rare.