Charlemagne’s ›Jihād‹ Revisited: Debating the Islamic Contribution to an Epochal Change in the History of Christianization
Daniel G. König
In 2006, Yitzhak Hen published an article under the title Â»Charlemagneâs JihadÂ«, proposing that Charlemagneâs policy of forced conversion Saxons â earliest combination conquest and in history Christianity had actually been modelled on a typically âºIslamicâ¹ approach to other religious groups. argued expedition Zaragoza 777-778 as well his reception Hispanic refugees such Theodulf at court acquainted Frankish king with this Islamic which was then duly applied Saxons. The primary aim is raise least partially answer questions arise from Henâs hypothesis. first part thus dedicated questioning if Islam late eighth century already developed systematic non-Muslim religions could be adopted by external observers. Even clear principles dealing period investigation, it cannot taken for granted Carolingians their informants were aware these principles. second examines what Charlemagne entourage have known about Muslim treatment non-Muslims. Since entire argument hinges specific passages Capitulatio de partibus Saxoniae he defines âºIslamicâ¹, also discusses clearly reflect influence or rather build previous Christian methods promoting expansion Christianity. Against backdrop, conclusion takes into account possible historical causes Carolingian merging conversion.
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