History and Islam: Examining the Domination and Competition Dynamics

This essay delves into the history of Islam, analyzing the dynamics of domination and competition among different Islamic groups. It examines the Safavids, highlighting their rise in Persia, the shift in the concept of Imam, and their patronage of various art forms, including the distinctive Safavid carpet. The essay contrasts Safavid art with Ottoman art. Furthermore, it explores the Moghul Empire in India, discussing the factors behind their rule and the achievements of key rulers like Babur, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. The essay references the impact of the Moghuls on India, their contributions to art and architecture, and their approach to religious tolerance, providing a comprehensive overview of the historical context and the interactions between these influential groups and their impact on the regions.

Running head: HISTORY AND ISLAM
History and Islam
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1HISTORY AND ISLAM
The origin and the rise of the Islam religion plays an important role and is a major
chapter in the history of the world. The rise of the Islamic religion had seen conflicts between
the different Islamic groups as well as the formation of the Shia and the Sunni, the two
different groups of Muslims, who have different beliefs and ideologies for themselves. The
essay will talk about the subject matter of the domination of different groups of Islam and
also the competition between these groups itself.
The purpose of this essay is to describe the domination and the competition
between the different groups of Islam rulers over the period of time.
The Safavids were one of the most dominant classes of Islamic rulers who had
invaded Persia. Under the rule of Ismail I, the concept of Imam changed in Persia in the sense
that the concept of Imam gained a more central role during this period (De Brujin, 2014). It
was believed that only the members of the Ahl al – Bayat, or the house of Mohammad have
the authority to become Imams.
Ismail I was the founder of the Safavids who had occupied the country of Persia itself.
Ismail I was known to be the most intolerant of the Muslim rulers and he had aimed for the
destruction for the Sunnis in Persia. Thus, many Sunnis converted themselves into Shia’s
which allowed Ismail I to bring his doctrine in the Persian realm itself (Aminarazavi et.all,
2013).
Safavids were known to be great patrons of various kinds of art forms. Hence, several
art forms developed during this period which included books, architecture, ceramic, metals,
glass as well as gardens. However, the Safavid carpet was one of the most common art forms
developed during the Safavid reign in the country (De Brujin, 2014). The Safavid art is
opposed to that of the Ottoman art forms in the way that the art styles of the two dynasties

2HISTORY AND ISLAM
were completely different as it is seen from the various art forms produced during this time in
the country itself.
The Moghuls were able to rule the Hindu population of India for more than three
centuries because of the fact the Hindu rulers of the country were too weak to stand against
the strength of the Moghuls, which made it easier for the Moghuls to rule the country until
the arrival of the British in India (Aminarazavi et. all, 2013). The achievements of the
Moghul rulers in India are given as follows:
Babur (1526 – 1530) – Conquered India and laid the foundation of the Moghul Empire in the
country.
Akbar (1556 – 1605) - He expanded the size of the Moghul Empire in India. He also built a
strong central Government and also promoted religious tolerance in the country.
Jahangir (1605 – 1627) – He encouraged the Persian art forms in India as also was a
supporter of the development of art and literature in the country.
Shah Jahan (1628 -1658) – He was known for building The Taj Mahal in Delhi itself and
also making Delhi the capital of the Moghul Empire.
Aurangzeb (1658 – 1707) – He was known for increasing the Moghul Empire to its largest
size and also encouraged the growth of the Sunnis in Islam itself.

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Reference List
Aminrazavi, M. A. R., & Nasr, S. H. (2013). The Islamic intellectual tradition in Persia.
Routledge.
De Bruijn, J. T. P. (2014). Persian Sufi poetry: an introduction to the mystical use of
classical Persian poems. Routledge.