Examination of the Differences in Muslim Treaties Across Various Regions of Iran During the Rashidun Caliphate

Abstract

One of the fundamental actions of Muslims during their conquests and entry into various regions was to write letters to the local officials, commanders, and inhabitants, inviting them to accept one of three propositions: conversion to Islam, payment of the jizyah (a tax), or warfare. Depending on the nature of the conquest of a city and the acceptance of the jizyah, there are two types of treaties: 1) agreements concluded after warfare and the opening of various regions, and 2) peace treaties made with people who were unwilling to fight or accept Islam, following the final opening of a city. The content of such treaties varied significantly from regions that were conquered through warfare. Analyzing and distinguishing between treaties of cities conquered (whether through peace or war) and the differing amounts of jizyah reveals that the content and terms of these documents and agreements differ based on the temporal, geographical, demographic, political, and religious contexts of the various regions. The aim of this research is to examine the points of divergence and differences in treaties using a descriptive-analytical method across different regions of Iran, one of the earliest areas conquered by Muslims during the Rashidun Caliphate.