Social Inequality and Discontent in the Umayyad Period: A Historical Review

Abstract

Umayyad Caliphate, which conquered big parts of the Islamic empire, had very severe problems related to increase of social differences (chasm). This paper will explore the Umayyad state from 661 to 750 AD on the basis of its cauldron of disturbance. It, by its front and center, analyzes all the reasons of that the whole society was so restless, like all those tremendous inequalities in wealth distribution, the use of conversion policies which the Arab gentlemen only could use, and that the people who were Muslim, but not Arab, experienced the devastating results of these things. Through this examination, it reveals that it is one of the major identified triggers for the uprisings. The Mukhtar al-Thaqafi Movement is just one example while Shia dissent provide another example of of this issue. By a careful examination of the historical documents, its interpretation by the scholars today, the social complexities that were present will be made plain and they will throw some light into the reason for the fall of the Umayyad Caliphate.

Keywords: Umayyad Caliphate, Social Inequality, Discontent, Shia Dissent