Comparing Post-Classical Dar Al Islam and Christendom

Comparing Post-Classical Dar Al Islam and Christendom

In the post-classical world (600-1450) both Islam and Christianity will be state sponsored theocracies (Caliphate/Ceasaropapism), both will spread along trade routes, however, the wider appeal of Islam will transcend regions because of the tolerance of other cultures whilst the Byzantine will find it harder to spread past its borders (Russian exception) as their intolerance of other cultures weaken its central

authority.In the Post Classical world both Islam and Christendom will lead through laws (Shariah and Cannon),

both will come into contact with each other in a struggle to maintain the holy land (Jerusalem), however, Islam will develop intellectual and artistic achievements illustrative of a “Golden Age” while

the illiteracy and feudal decentralized vulnerabilities of Western Europe will usher in a post-Roman “Dark Ages”

Historical context: Both Islam and Christianity will preserve the heritageOf the classical civilizations, both will actively prostheyetize alongEmpires, trade routes and appeal to the masses (universalizing). Christianity’sStronghold will be predominantly Europe (West and East) while Islam will extend To Africa, South/SE Asia and Southern Spain. You may choose specific regions or the totality of areas covered by these Religions.

Similarities• Political: Both will be theocratic ( Caliphates vs.

Caesaropapism in Byzantine Empire) both will have schisms based on succession ( sunni-shiite vs. Roman Catholic- Eastern Orthodox) both have laws which guide daily life ( Sharia for Islam, Cannon for Roman Catholicism, Justinian’s Code for Byzantium)

Differences• Political: Feudal Europe after the fall of Rome was decentralized

while the Abbasid Caliphate was centralized. There were slight distinctions between religion and politics in both Byzantine and Feudal Europe while there were absolutely none in Islam. Islam was tolerant of other faiths granting Dhimmi (people of the book) status to Christians and Jews while Europe (both Byzantine and Feudal Europe) were absolutely intolerant of other faiths

Similarities• Economic: Both the Byzantine Empire and

Islamic Caliphates were located and spread their faiths along overland and maritime trade routes. Christian and Islamic faiths professed to provide economic assistance to the poor. Wealth derived through trade would help build monumental religious architecture and facilitate Golden Ages

Differences• Economic: Roman Catholic Church encouraged

isolation and vows of poverty “ blessed are the poor” while Islam’s merchant background ( Muhammad was a merchant) encouraged trade as a way to help the needy. Islam had a more global appeal and spread more quickly across trade routes into Afro-Eurasia while Christianity would maintain its primary influence in Europe,

Similarities• Cultural: Both Christianity and Islam were born as Abrahamic faiths

preaching ethical monotheism and a strong faith in salvation for saints and damnation for sinners. Both spread through trade routes (Eastern Orthodox to Russia through Black Sea and Islam across Sahara, Silk Routes and Indian Ocean) Both will justify protection of the faith through wars (Crusades) and establish monumental architecture ( mosques, Hagia Sofia, Gothic Cathedrals)

Differences• Cultural: At times, both will see their respective faiths as the one

true (ethnocentrically identifying the others as ”infidels”). The “Golden Age” of Islam under the Abbasid Caliphate will usher in a Pax Islamic and era of prosperity while the Byzantine will fragment and Feudal Europe was in the “Dark Ages”: a period of regional isolation and stagnation. Islam will encourage literacy and preserve Greco-Roman-Indian-Persian ideas where Feudal Europe will grow increasingly illiterate