Notes on Muhammad Bin Qasim's Conquest of Sind

Reasons for Muhammad Bin Qasim's Attack on Sind

• Background: Muhammad Bin Qasim was a Muslim general and administrator known for his just treatment of Hindus in Sindh.
• Immediate Causes:
  1. Murder of Governor of Makran: Fleeing murderers sought refuge in Sindh, and Raja Dahir refused to hand them over to Hajjaj bin Yousuf, the Umayyad Governor.
  2. Cruelty of Raja Dahir: Raja Dahir's harsh treatment of Hindus prompted requests for help to Hajjaj.
  3. Desire for Expansion: Hajjaj aimed to control the Indus trade route as part of Islamic expansion.
  4. Pirate Attacks: Attacks on a Muslim fleet by pirates incited retaliation after Raja Dahir refused to take action.

Conquest of Sind

• Preparation: Hajjaj sent Muhammad Bin Qasim with 12,000 soldiers to avenge the failed first attack.
• Siege of Deebal (711 A.D.): After a 3-month siege, Deebal was conquered by lowering the city flag, leading to surrender.
• Final Confrontation with Raja Dahir: After chasing him across the Indus and securing alliances, Bin Qasim defeated Dahir and captured Barhamanabad and other cities.
• Impact of Conquest: Significant cultural influence, increased Islamic presence, and establishment of a new socio-political order.

Administration and Governance by Muhammad Bin Qasim

• Governance Style: Established a humane administration focused on justice, tolerance, and inclusion of local population.
• System of Government:
  • Sindh was divided into four parts governed by "Waali", appointed by Khalifa based on recommendations.
• Local Administration: Focus on civil harmony and welfare of local populations with compensation for war losses.
• Tax System: Revenue generated through Zakat, Sadaqaat, and imposing Jaziya on Non-Muslims, maintaining old taxes.

Social and Religious Policies

• Justice System: Fair treatment established with local Qazis for resolving disputes. Religious tolerance encouraged, allowing Hindus to maintain practices.
• Support for Education: Mosque-based education system emphasized moral character and provided broader learning, leading to a rise in Islamic demographics in Sindh.
• Cultural Integration: Marriages between Arabs and local women resulted in a new cultural synthesis.

Overall Outcomes of Muhammad Bin Qasim's Conquest

• Cultural Revolution: Establishment of Islamic culture and significant growth in the population embracing Islam.
• Long-term Effects: Strengthening of relations between different communities and a lasting Islamic legacy in Sindh.