If Islam Is Radical, Why Was Andalusia Peaceful?
If Islam Is Radical, Why Was Andalusia Peaceful?
Introduction
As a writer trying to stay neutral, I often wonder: how could a religion often labeled radical, brutal, and intolerant give birth to a peaceful civilization like Andalusia? This question matters, especially amid the wave of Islamophobic narratives in Western media (Said, Covering Islam, 1981).
For me personally, Andalusia is not just history but a mirror that challenges many stereotypes about Islam. Is Islam inherently radical, or is it politics and interests that shape its image?
Andalusia: A Civilization of Coexistence
Looking back at history, Andalusia especially during the Umayyad Caliphate in Cordoba (8th–15th century) was known as a center of knowledge, tolerance, and progress. In this city, Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived side by side (Menocal, The Ornament of the World, 2002).
Historians recorded that at its peak, Cordoba had the largest library in Europe, modern hospitals, and universities open to all. For me, this proves that Islam is not synonymous with fanaticism.
Pluralism Was Not Instant
However, I think it’s also important to remember: harmony in Andalusia did not happen overnight. It was born from mature political and cultural vision. Muslim rulers in Andalusia understood that stability could only be maintained if diversity was respected (Fletcher, Moorish Spain, 1992).
They adopted the dhimma policy, granting non-Muslims a special status with certain tax obligations but legal protection. While from a modern perspective this can be debated, in its time it was a form of compromise that created peaceful coexistence.
Art, Science, and Dialogue
In Andalusia, art and science flourished because there was interfaith dialogue. Imagine, Jewish philosophers like Maimonides grew up in Cordoba, learning from Muslim scholars (Goodman, Jewish-Muslim Relations, 1999).
I see this as no coincidence. When Islam in Andalusia emphasized ijtihad (freedom of thought) and encouraged translating Greek texts, an open knowledge culture emerged. If Islam were truly radical, how could such a space exist?
A Stark Contrast to Modern Radicalism
My question is: why is this image so different from today’s radical Islam narrative? In my opinion, the answer lies in context. Radicalism often arises not from religious texts alone but from political conflict, economic injustice, and colonial trauma (Roy, Globalized Islam, 2004).
Look at the modern Middle East. Many extremist groups emerged from the scars of war, poverty, and oppression. Andalusia was the opposite: when stability prevailed, Islam showed its friendly face.
Was Andalusia Perfect?
Of course, I don’t want to romanticize too much. Andalusia had its conflicts too rebellions, civil wars, and political repression. But overall, its golden age is still remembered as the pinnacle of coexistence (Kennedy, Muslim Spain and Portugal, 1996).
In my opinion, it’s important for us to take this lesson. Islam does not automatically guarantee social paradise, but when managed with a vision of tolerance, it can be a vessel for harmony.
Who Fears Peaceful Islam?
One question I find intriguing: why is the Andalusian model rarely highlighted in Western history books? The blunt answer might be because an image of peaceful Islam doesn’t support the “war on terror” narrative.
For some, peaceful Islam is “dangerous” because it shatters stereotypes and undermines foreign policy justifications (Said, Orientalism, 1978).
A Reflection for Us
As a Muslim, I feel we need to look back at Andalusia, not for nostalgia but to prove that Islam is not inherently radical.
Today’s challenge is how to revive the spirit of dialogue, knowledge, and pluralism in the digital age (Esposito, The Future of Islam, 2010).
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe Andalusia proves one thing: radicalism is not Islam’s DNA. What exists are interpretations, contexts, and political interests.
The question for us: are we willing to learn from Andalusia to nurture harmony today?
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