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The Conditions

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The Conditions

The pact circulates in several recensions and the form is consistent across them. It is not drafted as a decree from the ruler but as a petition from the ruled: when you came against us we asked you for safe conduct for ourselves and our people, and we undertook the following conditions. The rhetorical shape matters, because a self-imposed undertaking is harder to argue against than an imposition.

The conditions fall into groups. Some concern buildings: no new church, monastery or hermitage; no restoration of those in quarters the Muslims inhabit; no obstruction of a Muslim who wishes to enter one. Some concern hospitality and security: three days' lodging for any Muslim traveller; no shelter for a spy; no concealment of deceit. Some concern religion: not to teach the Qur'an to their children, not to prevent a kinsman from converting, not to hold public processions with crosses, not to raise the voice in reading scripture or in the funeral of the dead where Muslims can hear.

The remainder are about visible rank. Rise when a Muslim wishes to sit. Do not resemble Muslims in dress, in the parting of the hair or in the use of a kunya. Wear a distinguishing girdle. Do not use a saddle of the Muslim kind, do not bear arms, do not engrave Arabic on seals. In exchange the signatories receive protection of life and property.

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