Before the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Syria was a diverse and religiously rich region, predominantly under the rule of the Byzantine Empire, which upheld Eastern Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. Yet, beneath the official Christian veneer, Syria was a complex spiritual crossroads influenced by centuries of cultural, religious, and imperial exchange.
The region had long been a melting pot of beliefs, including:
- Ancient West Semitic polytheism
- Greek and Roman paganism
- Judaism
- Various Christian sects, including Nestorians, Monophysites, and Orthodox Christians
This spiritual diversity was often a source of conflict and fragmentation, especially as imperial powers imposed religious orthodoxy. The Byzantine rulers, for example, harshly suppressed non-Chalcedonian Christian sects and Jewish communities, leading to widespread resentment among the local population.
The Byzantine Empire and Religious Oppression
The Byzantine Empire viewed religious unity as essential to political control, enforcing Eastern Orthodox Christianity while persecuting dissenting groups. This included:
- Imposing heavy taxes on non-Orthodox believers
- Excluding them from political and social privileges
- Restricting religious practices of Jews and heretical Christian sects
This environment of religious intolerance bred discontent, especially among the Syrian population who felt alienated from imperial rule. This would later play a critical role in their welcoming attitude toward Islam.
The Arrival of Islam: A Peaceful Transformation
Islam entered Syria in 636 AD, during the caliphate of Omar ibn Al-Khattab, led by generals Khalid ibn Al-Walid and Abu Ubaidah ibn Al-Jarrah. Unlike many regions where conquest was met with resistance, Syria welcomed the Islamic forces peacefully. This was largely due to:
- The injustices of Byzantine rule
- The desire among locals to escape religious persecution
- The respectful and fair treatment shown by Muslim leaders toward existing populations
Cities like Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo opened their gates with minimal resistance, marking a pivotal transition in Syrian history. Syria was integrated into the Rashidun Caliphate, where religious tolerance, lower taxes, and administrative fairness replaced Byzantine authoritarianism.
A Golden Era Under Islamic Rule
Under Islamic governance—especially during the Umayyad Caliphate which made Damascus the capital in 661 AD—Syria entered a golden age of:
- Cultural and scientific flourishing
- Architectural achievements, including the construction of the Umayyad Mosque
- Economic prosperity, boosted by trade and stable governance
Importantly, Christians, Jews, and other communities were allowed to practice their faiths freely under the system of dhimma (protected peoples), enjoying safety and autonomy in exchange for a tax.
With the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate in 750 AD, the political center shifted to Baghdad, but Syria remained a critical hub of culture, scholarship, and trade within the Islamic world.
Conclusion: From Division to Unity
Syria’s religious history before Islam was marked by division, persecution, and imperial domination, but the arrival of Islam transformed the region. It replaced an oppressive and fragmented system with a unified and inclusive order grounded in justice, tolerance, and spiritual freedom. Syria flourished as part of the Islamic world, and its legacy during this period remains deeply influential in the region’s cultural identity.
