Summary of THE CITY OF BUDDHISTS EMBRACED ISLAM WITHOUT FIGHTING AGAINST MUSLIMS. SAMARKAND.

• 00:00:09

  Samarkand, a major Islamic center on the Silk Road, was initially home to Buddhists who worshipped a Buddha made of precious stones. When Muslims unexpectedly invaded the city under the command of Caiba, the locals were initially fearful. However, the Muslims did not harm the population and aided them with water and food, earning their trust. Trade relations developed peacefully between the people of Samarkand and the Muslims, and a dispute between a local and a Muslim was resolved justly by a Muslim judge. Impressed by the Muslims' sense of justice, the local priests and governors sent an envoy to Caliph Umar bin Abdulaziz to seek justice for the unexpected invasion by Caiba, which was not in accordance with Sharia law. The city of Samarkand embraced Islam without conflict, showcasing the peaceful conversion of the population influenced by the fair treatment they received from the Muslim conquerors.

• 00:03:23

  Upon arriving in Samarkand, an envoy was surprised to see Muslims praying in a straight line. He inquired about the Muslim leader, but was told the Imam led prayers. The envoy, a Buddhist, learned about Islamic monotheism from a Muslim man and was directed to the caliph's house. Mistaken for a commoner, the envoy returned to the Muslim man and was escorted to the caliph, who was humbly repairing his house. The envoy sought justice for his people against an oppressive ruler, and the caliph, Umar bin Abdul Aziz, sent a letter commanding a fair trial. A judge was appointed to resolve the conflict between the Muslim commanders and the city's rulers and priests, leading to a peaceful resolution endorsed by Sharia law.

• 00:06:26

  In a trial, the priests accused Muslim leader Cabba of invading their city without warning and without offering the traditional choices of converting, paying jizya, or fighting. Muslims defended their actions, stating that they avoided bloodshed by taking the city. The judge ruled that Muslims must leave Samarkand within 3 days and return it to the locals, offering them the choice to convert to Islam, pay jizya, or fight. Witnessing the justice of Muslims, the locals and monks converted to Islam, embracing the religion without resistance.