The Shami Thoghour in the First Abbasid Era (132–232 AH, 750–847 AD)

Abstract

The Shami Thoghour in the First Abbasid Era (132–232 AH, 750–847 AD) This study aims at introducing the Shami Thoghour, boarder areas of the Islamic empire, during the First Abbasid Era. This includes importance of these areas for both the Muslims and Byzantines. It also includes how life looked like in these areas, and how they affected the different aspects of life at that period. In this regard, the study used the historical descriptive method. The study arrived at several conclusions. Most important ones are: Thoghour have a great status in Islam considering the great reward of Ribat, staying for Jihad in these areas as mentioned in Quran and Sunnah. This reward is consistent with the religious importance of the Shami areas. Thoghour have several types including land and naval ones. This also includes the Capital Thoghour, a type which was invented by Abbasids. The early Abbasid caliphs paid a great attention to Thoghour through fortification, arming, carrying out several military campaigns to protect these Thoghour, and carrying out annual military campaigns to terrify Romans and deter them from attacking them. Thoghour had a social, economic, and scientific nature considering lifestyle at these areas. This was characterized by a continuous readiness for war, and a continuous accommodation of scholars and fighters. Thus, it is possible to say that Thoghour played a great role in forming the relationship between Muslims and their neighbors, considering the political, civic, military, and economic aspects. The most important recommendations of the study are: Thoghour as a research topic did not receive sufficient attention of researchers. Thus, researchers are required to consider this point. It is required to focus on the several roles of Thoghour, which are rich in beneficial stories for the Islamic Ummah, especially in the current hard time and circumstances