How did the Spanish Inquisition impact the Muslim population in Spain?

The Spanish Inquisition had a significant impact on the Muslim population in Spain.

During the Inquisition, which lasted from the late 15th century to the early 19th century, Muslims in Spain faced persecution and discrimination. The primary aim of the Inquisition was to enforce religious unity and eliminate any perceived threats to the Catholic faith. As a result, Muslims were targeted as they were seen as a religious minority and potential converts to Christianity.

One of the major impacts of the Inquisition on the Muslim population was the forced conversion or expulsion of Muslims. In 1492, the same year Christopher Columbus set sail, the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella issued the Alhambra Decree, which ordered the expulsion of all Jews and Muslims who refused to convert to Christianity. Many Muslims were forced to convert under duress, while others chose to leave Spain rather than abandon their faith.

Those who converted to Christianity, known as Moriscos, faced ongoing suspicion and discrimination. They were subjected to intense scrutiny by the Inquisition, which aimed to ensure their loyalty to the Catholic Church. The Moriscos were often accused of secretly practicing Islam and faced severe penalties if found guilty. This constant surveillance and persecution created a hostile environment for the Muslim population in Spain.

Furthermore, the Inquisition also led to the destruction of Islamic cultural and religious heritage in Spain. Mosques were converted into churches, Islamic books were burned, and Arabic language and customs were suppressed. The rich Islamic intellectual and artistic contributions that had flourished during the Islamic rule in Spain were systematically erased.

Overall, the Spanish Inquisition had a devastating impact on the Muslim population in Spain. It resulted in forced conversions, expulsion, discrimination, and the destruction of Islamic heritage. The Inquisition significantly altered the religious and cultural landscape of Spain, leaving a lasting impact on the Muslim community.