Al Andalus: An Introduction into the Rise and Fall of Islam in Spain

by: Nasreen Karodia 

A Piece of Heaven on Earth...

For the greater part of 700 years from the year 712-1492, Muslims embarked on a project on Earth that centuries later, has proven formidable to emulate. In telling the story of Islam, we often define the Muslim world as the core region surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. This project however, moved beyond the confines of the so-called Middle East and took Muslim civilisation to a region that directly bordered the rest of the world: The Iberian Peninsula which was to become known as Al Andalus or Andalusia.

In Al Andalus, Islam was to come into direct contact with Christian Europe and other historical civilisations. This project was to be a landmark in Islamic and European history. It was to leave an indelible impression on culture and intellectual development, later paving the way for the Renaissance in Europe, and much in the way of innovation and comfort we enjoy today.

The example of Al Andalus is unique in its duration of existence as well as its assertion of an indigenous Muslim presence in Europe. It was the greatest European expression of Islam. Whilst Islam was in Eastern Europe for centuries prior, the Islam in Al Andalus was a western European phenomenon. The duration of its existence spans two thirds of Islamic history, and a total of 805 years of Muslim civilisation.

The list of Islamic Spain's contributions to the West is almost endless. In addition to Islamic Spain's contributions in mathematics, economy, medicine, botany, geography, history, and philosophy, Andalusia also developed and applied important technological innovations. Muslim Spain left a particularly rich heritage of exotic and beautiful palaces, mosques, minarets and fortresses. These buildings make it visually unique in Europe and have to be classed as its greatest architectural glory.2 Science and learning prospered, architecture dazzled and the population in general flourished.

This book provides a concise history of the arrival of Islam in Iberia. It encapsulates its rise and triumphant glory, the phenomenal contribution of Muslims in Spain to different sciences, its glorious achievements under reliant leadership and sturdy governance, the sad and painful experiences of Muslims in the land as leadership wavered, Islam’s lingering but eventual demise, and the basis of dishonour to the Spanish Muslims. In it is also a story of how Muslims lived as a minority, how they resisted persecution, how the Deen (religion) is always preserved in the face of stubborn efforts to extinguish it, and the lessons that the history of Islam in Spain provides for Muslims today.

Spain remains the only place on earth where Islam was established fully and later fully removed.

“The history of Spain is one of the glowing chapters of Muslim history. A period characterised by justice, peace and prosperity. A tale of peaceful coexistence and harmony. The Muslim Ummah (population) needs to reflect on the rise and the decline of empires. The laws of Allah Almighty are universal and they are applicable to all times and all people. When Muslims lived up to the teachings of Islam and adopted the principles of faith, victory came their way. The Ummah (population) lived with glory and dignity. The world was in awe of the Muslims and its achievements.
The study of history reminds the believers of their true potential when aligned with the objectives of Allah Almighty.The series Paradise on Earth, about Spain, on Radio Islam aired during the blessed month of Ramadhan to inspire and to rekindle the spirit of Imaan (Faith in the One True Creator).
The series on Spain inspired the author to do further research on the topic which is presented here in the shape of a book.

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 212