Jews in Marinid Bureaucracy (591 – 869 A.H.)

Marinid who ruled Morocco for three centuries, treated Dhimmis (non-Muslims living in Islamic state under the protection of the government) with tolerance. In such situations the Jews enjoyed religious and social freedom so that a number of them including Banu Ruqqasa managed to enter the court and were put in charge of crucial positions. After analyzing sources, the process and reasons behind appearance of the Jews in Marinid court will be assessed and their role in Bureaucracy, their influence on government and Islamic society will be described in the present paper. As some rulers were not religiously devoted and they required financial sources while Jews were wealthy and familiar with bureaucratic affairs, they managed to enter Marinid court. However, although they were supported by the rulers, they were not useful in achieving government's goals, as they were mostly focused on maintaining their interests and organizing conspiracies against Muslims.