I was actually reading the section on the Umayyads- and the growth of a civil service and religious tolerance. Listen to this, and see if it does not resonate a bit with what our founding fathers said (and I'm sure most teachers would notice that):
"The great Aram commander Khalid ibn al-Walid, who had led a conquest of Syrian and Persia, described Muslim policy:'In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful, this is what Khalid ibn-Walid would grant to the inhabitants of Damascus... He promises to give them security for their lives, property, and churches. Their city wall shall not be demolished, either shall any Muslim be quartered in their houses. Thereunto we give to them the pact of Allah and the protection of his Prophet, the Caliphs, and the beleivers. So long as they pay the tax, nothing but good shall befall them."
Remember- this is AD 661- 750 for the Umayyads. What a forward looking quote- and what humanity.
We're seeing a contract here- pay your taxes, get security. Fantastic stuff!
(not to say that didn't happen in Rome- but it's put nicely here. I think most students would really get the text- it's very readable (remember, we have reading levels from elementary to 12+ in our classes) |
