The Arabian Nights and Muslim beliefs and practices

Tolerance and intolerance vary in different stories. Some stories maintained the right to persecute and kill non-Muslims.  A daughter who converted to Islam killed her father because he would not convert. Other stories showed tolerance, with four religions living together.

The absolutism of the despot and the master allowed whims, executions and tortures. Extremes of wealth were accepted,  as was slavery and cruelty.  Male slaves were usually described as black, and female slaves as white – these had usually been kidnapped or spoils of war. Castration of eunuchs to be servants was allowed.

The symbols and meaning in some of the stories is worth exploring, for example, the city where everyone had been turned to stone - because Islamic travelers did not have images and statues in their own country?

The Persian magi are depicted as fire-worshipers, but also as human sacrificers.

You can find much more in the stories, to fit in with the beautiful and intricate art of the time, which included depictions of people in settings of nature or luxury.

The Arabian Nights Entertainment should be read by everyone – Muslims and Christians can find a different version of Islam than is commonly adhered to or feared today .