Final answer:
Jews and Christians were given special treatment by conquering Muslim armies because they were considered monotheistic 'People of the Book' and were seen as worthy of protection. This status allowed them to freely practice their religion, leading to the flourishing of Jewish and Christian communities in Muslim lands.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Islamic history, Jewish people and Christians were given special treatment by conquering Muslim armies due to their status as monotheistic 'People of the Book.' According to Islamic beliefs, these monotheistic faiths had received a revealed scripture from God in the past. Muslims saw them as being worthy of protection and allowed them to freely practice their religion under Muslim rule, as long as they paid taxes and submitted to Muslim authority.
This special treatment of Jews and Christians by Muslim conquerors had several benefits. For example, it allowed these communities to flourish in Muslim lands, with Jews becoming important merchants, scholars, bankers, and traders.
Further, the Muslims' tolerance of other faiths, including Jews and Christians, led to the spread of knowledge and ideas. In the case of Iberia (modern-day Portugal and Spain), Muslim rule from 711 to 1492 introduced advancements in astronomy, navigation, and mathematics, which eventually spread to other parts of Europe.