Source of Umayyad fiscal revenue in Khorasan

After its conquest, Khorasan came under the administration of the Islamic Caliphate and found particular importance due to its possession of natural resources and its location on the international trade route. The region excelled in local industries, agricultural products and the transition of Eastern goods, and used to provide the required resources of Islamic states. Some of the policies of the Umayyads in Khorasan were concentrated on taking advantage of these opportunities and strengthening the economic capabilities of its government. The sources of Umayyad fiscal revenue in Khorasan were divided
into three categories: religious, administrative, and conventional. The present article aims to identify these sources, and to reflect upon their backgrounds and consequences. The method of this study is historical and analytical based on Islamic sources. The findings suggest that an important part of the Umayyad financial policy in Khorasan had been influenced by changes in the financial rules and the application of traditional and conventional rules. As a result, except in special and limited cases of the acceptance of Islam, this did not cause any change in Khorasan’s financial resources. The consequence is the spreading of public discontent and the emergence of various social movements.