Arab-Muslim Military Ethics in the Arab-Muslim Dynastical Chronicles (Based on the Data Base of the Themes and Narrative Motiffs of the Arab-Muslim Dynastic Chronicles of the 9th–10th Centuries)

Abstract

A considerable part of materials, comprising the texts of the Arab-Muslim Dynastical chronicles of the 9th–10th centuries (works, where the Muslim history is narrated according to the reigns of the caliphs) deals with war ethics. The works on history under consideration reveal, that the Arab-Muslims, while at war, were proclaiming certain ethical principles and were to a certain extent fulfilling them. They were aware, that war causes misfortunes and while taking part in it one should rely upon Allah’s will and face death without hesitation. As far as the overwhelmed adversary is concerned, one should treat him mercifully. To mutilate the dead body of a slain enemy is a mean deed. Furthermore, a woman, who finds herself at a military theatre, deserves protection and indulgence. The passages under analysis present not only a rich frame of events, concerning the move of hostilities, but also give mental pabulum for the contemplation over social psychology of the participants of the historical process in the Arab-Muslim world.