Journal of Socio-Cultural Studies of Khorasan

Journal of Socio-Cultural Studies of Khorasan

The Role of Arabs and Indigenous People in the Spread of Islam in Khorasan and Transoxiana in the Early Islamic Centuries

Authors
masoud bahramian 1
mahmud nikou 2
ahmad nezaratizadeh 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of History Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Birjand, Iran
2 Master’s Degree in History (Islamic Iran Orientation). Kharazmi University, Iran
3 Assistant Professor of Islamic History Shahid Mahallati University of Islamic Sciences, Qom, Iran
10.22034/fakh.2025.510171.1719
Abstract
Introduction
From ancient times through the Islamic era, Khorasan and Transoxiana have been among the most significant political, economic, and strategic regions of the Iranian plateau. These territories were so crucial that even some Iranian kings, such as Cyrus, perished in battles against foreign invaders in these areas. The boundaries of Khorasan—at a time when Transoxiana was not recognized as a distinct region—extended to the deserts of China and the Hindu Kush mountains. While some geographers, such as Ya’qubi, considered Transoxiana a part of Khorasan, others like Istakhri viewed it as a separate entity.
With the advent of Muslim Arab invasions in Iran, Khorasan and Transoxiana were among the regions that proved difficult to conquer. However, their strategic location, economic potential, and distance from the caliphate’s core made them key destinations for Arab migrants. Upon the Arab conquest of Khorasan, many tribes—primarily from the Basra region—began settling there. Factors such as border conflicts, encouragement from the caliphs, economic incentives, tribal support for expansionist efforts, Khorasan’s geography, the suppression of rebellions, and political exile contributed to the large-scale Arab migration to the region.
Although these migrations began during the caliphates of Umar and Uthman (13–35 AH), they reached their peak during the Umayyad era. Prominent among the migrating tribes were the Azd, Tamim, Abdul Qais, and Bakr bin Wa'il. The persistent state of conflict, the need to secure conquered territories, the imperative to confront non-Muslims and rebels, and the administrative instability of Khorasan all led to the establishment of permanent Arab settlements in the region. Initially, the local populations of Khorasan responded to the Arab settlers with indifference or even open hostility. Over time, however, many Iranians began to participate in spreading Islam alongside the Arabs.
 
Methodology
This study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach and is based on library research methods.
 
Findings and Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the pivotal role of Arab tribes and rulers in the spread of Islam throughout Khorasan and Transoxiana. Following the conquest of these regions and the mass migration—both collective and individual—of Arabs, Islam began to take root in a number of ways. One notable method was through intermarriage with the local population. Prominent companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), such as Qutham ibn Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, Buraydah ibn al-Husayb, and Akham ibn Amr al-Ghifari, played active roles in this process. A significant factor encouraging these intermarriages was the Arabs’ tribal organization, often structured around the concept of the "Dar" (clan or household). The transformation of Arab tribal communities into settled societies created a social need for integration, which naturally led to marriage with the locals. Additionally, polygamy—especially among warriors—was common, further reinforcing these bonds between Arabs and indigenous peoples.
Another influential factor in the spread of Islam was the construction of mosques. Cities such as Merv, Balkh, and Nishapur became early centers for Islamic practice, and the establishment of mosques in these cities accelerated the decline of Zoroastrian temples. In contrast, in areas where Islamic institutions were sparse or scattered, Zoroastrianism was able to survive for a longer period. In some cases, the expansion of Islam was also accompanied by military campaigns, which added an element of coercion to the process. While the Arabs were instrumental in introducing and institutionalizing Islam in these regions, the contribution of the indigenous peoples of Khorasan and Transoxiana should not be overlooked. Over time, local populations who initially responded to the Arab presence with indifference or hostility began to embrace the new religion and actively participated in its dissemination.
This research, employing a descriptive-analytical method and utilizing library sources, seeks to explore and clarify the respective roles of Arab migrants and indigenous communities in the early Islamic centuries. The evidence suggests that although Arab influence was foundational, the successful spread of Islam ultimately depended on the cooperation and engagement of both groups.
Keywords
Arab Tribes of Khorasan
Spread of Islam
Transoxiana

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 04 March 2025
  • Revise Date 17 April 2025
  • Accept Date 21 April 2025