1- Islamic conquests were by no means a form of colonization .
Colonization is based on plundering the wealth, and the occupied country. It
also neglects developing its economy, its culture and its civilization. History
bears witness that Muslim conquerors were never unjust and their rule was
always based on equity and tolerance. Andalusia, which is a European country ,
flourished during the Muslim reign and prospered in all branches of life, and
was superior to other European countries in every aspect as a result of the
cultural and scientific progress introduced by the Arabs. The same applies to
every country during Arab rule . The relics of architecture and other
manifestations of the Islamic civilization can still be witnessed.
2- The tribute imposed on the inhabitants of the occupied lands were taxes
which they paid to be protected by the Islamic State against their enemies. Any
person who enlisted in the ranks of the army was immediately exempted from this
financial obligation. Sir Thomas Arnold stated that the Christian tribe of Al
Jarajma that dwelt near to Antioch was at peace with the Muslims vowed to be
their allies during peace and that in the event of war, they would fight side
with them providing that they be exempted from paying the tribute . Fighting in the cause of God in order to
acquire the spoils of war is prohibited in Islam and is considered a crime. The
Prophet was once asked about his opinion of a person who fights in the cause of
God in order to acquire the spoils of war. He answered :"He is denied the
divine reward" .He repeated this statement twice, thus uttering it three
times in order to emphasize it.
3- The allegation that Muslim Conquests were an economically motivated form of
colonization is an attempt to conceal the West's colonization of Islamic
countries in recent time. There is a great difference between the latter and
the former and the following example, among many, should clarify this point . A
peace treaty was signed between Khaled ben Al Waleed and the inhabitants
of the towns near to Al Hira which stated :''If we Muslims protect you from
your enemies you pay the tribute, otherwise you are exempted from it''. When
the Muslims were unable to protect these occupied Syrian towns during the rule
of Omar ben Al Khattab, the Second Orthodox Caliph, after Emperor Hercules had
prepared a great army to attack the Muslims, Khaled ben Al Waleed wrote to the
inhabitants of the Syrian cities stating :"Since the Emperor Hercules has
prepared a great army to attack as, we must face him and will not be able to
defend you, so we return your money to you. Should God grant us victory, the
terms of the treaty will remain".