Well, it gave people a sense of community, gave them something to belong to. And in the Islamic empire, becoming part of the umma (Islamic community), gave them special benefits. One such beneficial property of the umma was the tax break. In the Islamic empire, one could, once concurred, pay taxes, or become part of the umma. This of course brought many to the umma and join Islam. Today however I believe there is no benefit to becoming part of the Islamic community other that having a group of people able to support you. This is like living in the middle of nowhere and the moving to a large neighborhood, where people give you welcoming presents and make their kids mow lawns. This brings more people every year to Islam.
Well, it gave people a sense of community, gave them something to belong to. And in the Islamic empire, becoming part of the umma (Islamic community), gave them special benefits. One such beneficial property of the umma was the tax break. In the Islamic empire, one could, once concurred, pay taxes, or become part of the umma. This of course brought many to the umma and join Islam.
ReplyDeleteToday however I believe there is no benefit to becoming part of the Islamic community other that having a group of people able to support you. This is like living in the middle of nowhere and the moving to a large neighborhood, where people give you welcoming presents and make their kids mow lawns. This brings more people every year to Islam.
Nicely done Tiernan! Were there any more religious aspects of joining?
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