The Relations between Umayyad Caliphs and Dhimmi Christians (protected non-Muslim People) and Their Role in the Development of Muslim's Sciences

Taking Damascus as the capital of Caliphate during the Umayyad period prepared the ground for developing direct relations between Caliphs and Christians. Since most of the Syrians in those days were Christians, Caliphs had to follow a kind of permissive policy towards Christians. The permissive attitude of most Umayyad Caliphs towards Christians and not imposing social and religious restrictions on them lent the Christians high status in Umayyad period. Due to Muslim’s lack of knowledge of governmental affairs in subjugated territories. Christians dominated Muslim's administrative institutions in Umayyad period. Furthermore, due to their skill in medicine and proficiency in Greek and Syrian, Christians had an important role in developing sciences in medicine and translation of books in Umayyad period. The present paper reviews the social, economical, religious, and political conditions of Zimmi Christians in Umayyad period and investigates their role in developing Muslim's sciences.