Why were Moorish rulers initially somewhat tolerant of Christians and Jews in Spain?

1. Christians and Jews paid Muslim rulers tribute.
2. Christians and Jews labored for free on building projects.
3. Christians and Jews worshipped one God.
4. Christians and Jews converted to Islam.

1 answer

The most accurate reason for the initial tolerance of Moorish rulers towards Christians and Jews in Spain is:

1. Christians and Jews paid Muslim rulers tribute.

Under Muslim rule, particularly during the early periods of the Reconquista, Christians and Jews were often treated as dhimmi (protected peoples) under Islamic law. This status allowed them to maintain their religious practices in exchange for paying a tax known as the jizya. The tribute system provided a level of tolerance and coexistence as long as they acknowledged the authority of the Muslim rulers.

While the other options may reflect aspects of social relations at times, they do not capture the primary reason for the tolerance exhibited by Moorish rulers.