XI. The Rise Of The Middle-Eastern Bourgeoisie In Early Islamic Times

The various trends of Muslim ascetism amalgamated during the third century of Islam into the movement known as Sufism. Although the ideal of renouncing the world was always a strong undercurrent in Islam, its representative opinion during this particular period postured a favorable attitude towards earning and amassing capital and, with some qualifications, even towards certain aspects of luxury. During that time the merchant class attained a social position and correspondingly, self-esteem, which it secured far later in Europe. This chapter examines this religious and social self-assertion of the Muslim bourgeoisie. The tbourgeois revolutiont of the Middle East during the early centuries of Islam had many repercussions on world history. To mention just one: through it the Jews, who up to that time had been engaged mainly in agriculture and other manual occupations, were converted into a predominantly commercial people.Keywords: early Islamic times; Middle-Eastern Bourgeoisie; Sufism