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If you were not Muslim living in Muslim lands, what was your penalty?

a) Exile
b) Taxation
c) Slavery
d) Conversion or death

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Option (d), The penalty for not being Muslim in Muslim lands was the payment of higher taxes and some restrictions, but non-Muslim communities had opportunities to thrive. Conversion to Islam was not forced, but some non-Muslims chose to convert for social and economic reasons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The penalty for someone who was not Muslim living in Muslim lands varied, but it generally did not include options like slavery or death. Instead, non-Muslims living under Muslim rule were considered dhimmis, or protected religious minorities. They were required to pay a special tax known as the jizya, which was higher than the tax for Muslims. Dhimmis were also subject to some restrictions on their public lives, such as their clothing choices and job opportunities.

Conversion to Islam was not forced, but in some cases, non-Muslims chose to convert to improve their social standing or gain access to Islamic trade networks. However, many non-Muslim communities, such as Christians and Jews, found that they had more freedom to practice their religions in Muslim lands compared to Christian kingdoms. They played vital roles as merchants, scholars, bankers, and traders within the caliphate.

Overall, the penalty for not being Muslim in Muslim lands was the payment of higher taxes and some restrictions, but it also provided opportunities for non-Muslim communities to thrive and maintain their religious practices.

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