The New Ruling Elite
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• Tribes and tribal loyalties continued to exist but new state cut through / above them – through ideology ad practical measures
• New ruling elite growth inseparable from growth of the state.
• Initially in Mecca egalitarian community but as sizeable settlements of Christians and Jews resident in Arabia – bought into protection system as subject communities.  Hierarchy here.
• Muslim was however humble superior to non Muslim – Najran Christians and Jewish communities Fadak, Wadi al-Qura, Tayma – protected tributaries.
• As Islamic state grew and took in non-Muslim and Muslim groups.  Although Muhammad consult newer groups the initial groups that helped in earliest battles more influential – Meccan Emigrants and Medinese Helpers. Muhajirun and ansar
• Conversion of Quraysh to Islam makeup and solidity of ruling elite underwent radical and speedy transformation.  Bought in as partners and many promised positions high up in as agents of the state or consultative policy makers.  Introduction Qurasyh means more systematic approach.
• Qurasyh senior partners in new Islamic State – sophisticated mercantile and managerial groups in Hijaz becoming more and more powerful.
• Muhammad preaches that nomadic life incompatible with Islam – yes Muslims but take another oath of allegiance.  We see sedentary groups begin seen as more powerful and Islamic that nomadic groups – change in power dynamic: “”…can be no Islam to those who do not settle”
• Early career wants no nomadic but increasingly difficult to implement – “believe in God wherever you are – nomadic tribes and groups were in Islamic state but essentially subjects of the sedentary peoples.  Though Muslims essentially out of circles of influence on Medina.  Muhammad will not grant B. ‘Amir b. Sa’sa’a any special considerations, but is relatively free in giving them to Qurasyh, the Thaqid and the Meidnese.
• “you are only a nomad.  You know nothing! – not letting turbulent Nomadic groups slip out of control and allow them to acquire much influence in ruling of the state. – sedentary peoples see nomadic peoples as totally unqualified to run the state.
• 3 kinds of domination:
1. Hegemony of Muslims over non-Muslims
2. Dominance of essentially Hijazi ruling elite over other tribal groups
3. Hegemony of a sophisticated sedentary elite and their state over nomadic groups

• Yes there were exceptions – and Islamic state still crystallising over mother-liquor of Arabian state.

Other Notes in this Category

1. A tribal society
2. Abu Bakr and Ridda wars
3. Causes of Islamic Conquest
4. Conclusions
5. Economics and Social Relations
6. Foundations of the islamic conquest
7. Introductory Points
8. muhammad’s consolidation
9. Muhammad’s Teachings
10. Political life in northern and central arabia
11. Religious Aristocracies
12. State and society in pre-islamic arabia
13. The early islamic world – patricia crone
14. The New Ruling Elite
15. The State and the Nomads
16. Tribe and state in arabia

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