The first Islamic coin was minted by the Caliph Abd-el Melek, the fifth Umayyad Caliph, in 696 AD. This event marked a significant shift in the history of Islamic coinage, moving away from the Byzantine and Sasanian coin designs that had been used previously.
Here's a breakdown of the key factors:
The Need for a Distinct Islamic Coinage:
- Political and Religious Identity: The early Islamic state was expanding rapidly, and the use of coins featuring images of the Byzantine emperors or Sasanian kings was seen as inconsistent with the Islamic belief in monotheism and the prohibition of idolatry.
- Economic Independence: The Islamic rulers wanted to establish their own monetary system, independent of the previous empires.
Key Features of the First Islamic Coin:
- Inscription: The first Islamic coins featured inscriptions in Arabic, primarily verses from the Quran, such as "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." This inscription emphasized the Islamic faith and its principles.
- Absence of Images: The coins did not feature any images of people or animals, adhering to the Islamic prohibition of idolatry.
- Metal and Weight: The first Islamic coins were primarily made of gold and silver, following the established monetary standards of the time.
The Significance of the First Islamic Coin:
- Symbol of Islamic Power: The introduction of the first Islamic coin marked a significant moment in the history of Islam, signifying the establishment of a new political and economic order.
- Foundation for Islamic Coinage: The design and principles of the first Islamic coin set the foundation for the development of Islamic coinage for centuries to come.
Conclusion:
The minting of the first Islamic coin by Caliph Abd-el Melek in 696 AD was a pivotal moment in the history of Islam. It represented a clear break from the previous political and economic systems, establishing a distinct Islamic identity and laying the groundwork for the development of Islamic coinage.
