Successive waves of Jewish exiles – caused by alternating conquests of Judea – made Jews the leading ethnoreligious group in the Arabian Peninsula, where Judaism stood in contrast to the multi-godreligion of ancient Arabs,[1] many of whom had arrived later than the Jews due to their nomadic nature.[1]
Middle Ages
Jews thrived in the Arabian Peninsula until Muslims conquered the Peninsula, when they, along with other conquered indigenous peoples, were required to pay jizya in exchange for their existence to be tolerated.[1][2] The payment of jizya granted Jews the status of dhimmi under which they were prohibited – under the threat of execution – from criticizing any aspects of Islam, sharing Jewish ideas to Muslims or touching a Muslim woman.[3] Jews were also not allowed to[3]
Simonsen, Jørgen Bæk (2004). "Administration In The Islamic State: An Interpretation Of The Terms "Dhimma" And "Jizya"". Islam: State And Society (1 ed.). Routledge. ISBN9780203060957. Retrieved January 11, 2025.