How do Sunni scholars view Muawiyah?

In a Nutshell: The Umayyads discouraged mass conversion to Islam primarily to maintain their financial and social dominance. Converting to Islam would have meant equal tax status for non-Arabs, eroding the financial system that privileged the Arab ruling class. Part 1: The Umayyad Power StructureThe Umayyad Caliphate rose to power as a conquering Arab elite. Their authority rested on maintaining a distinction between themselves and the conquered populations, primarily non-Arabs. A key component of this distinction was taxation. Arabs, as Muslims, were beneficiaries of the tax system, while non-Arabs were the primary taxpayers. This system created a privileged ruling class (Arabs) that depended on the continued financial contributions from the conquered peoples. if you'd like to expand or modify Part 1 before we continue.

Here's a more in-depth and detailed version of Part 1: Part 1: The Umayyad Power Structure Arab Conquest and Dominance:The Umayyad Caliphate emerged in the wake of the rapid Islamic conquests of the 7th century. These conquests were carried out by Arab armies, establishing them as a ruling elite over vast territories populated primarily by non-Arabs. Social Stratification:To maintain their position, the Umayyads implemented a system of social stratification. Arabs, as the conquering force and the original Muslims, occupied the top tier of society. Conquered populations, composed mostly of Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians were considered protected peoples (dhimmi) and were subjected to specific regulations. The Importance of Taxation:The cornerstone of Umayyad economic power was the system of taxation. Muslims were exempt from certain taxes, most notably the jizya(poll tax) imposed on non-Muslims. This created a financial system where the Arab ruling class was primarily supported by the taxes collected from the non-Arab majority. move on to Part 2!

Alright, here's Part 2 with more depth to explain why this tax system was a major obstacle to mass conversion: Part 2: Conversion and Its Threat to the Financial System The Dilemma of Conversion:While Islam preached a message of universal brotherhood, mass conversion of the conquered peoples would have drastic economic consequences for the Umayyad state. If non-Arabs converted to Islam in large numbers, they would become eligible for tax exemptions enjoyed by Muslims. This would severely undermine the financial foundation upon which the Umayyad power rested. Economic Stability over Equality:The Umayyads prioritized maintaining their privileged position and the financial stability of their empire over the inclusive principles of Islam. Discouraging mass conversion was a way to safeguard their economic interests and preserve the social hierarchy that benefited them. Pressure and Tension:However, the desire to convert to Islam grew among the conquered peoples. This created increasing tension between the Umayyad's need for financial control and the universalist message of Islamic faith. if you're ready to proceed to Part 3 and the conclusion!

Here's Part 3 of the answer, focusing on the consequences of this policy and providing a summary:

Part 3: Consequences and The Umayyad Legacy Growing Discontent:The Umayyad policy of discouraging mass conversion led to growing resentment among the non-Arab populations. This resentment contributed to social unrest and fueled opposition movements that challenged Umayyad rule. The Rise of the Abbasids:Ultimately, the Abbasid Revolution overthrew the Umayyads in 750 AD. The Abbasids sought to create a more inclusive Islamic empire, emphasizing piety and equality among Muslims regardless of ethnicity. Negative Perception:The Umayyad approach toward conversion has contributed to a negative perception of their dynasty within Islamic history. They are often seen as prioritizing worldly power and Arab supremacy over the core principles of Islamic faith. Conclusion In summary, the Umayyads discouraged mass conversion to Islam primarily out of economic self-interest. They sought to maintain a privileged financial position for the Arab ruling class, prioritizing a tax system that relied on the distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims. This policy, while ensuring short-term stability, created long-term social and religious tensions. Ultimately, it contributed to the downfall of the Umayyad dynasty and tarnished their legacy in Islamic historical memory.