Christians, Jews, and Muslims appear in a Damascus plague procession
About this date: Ibn Battuta places the episode during his return through Damascus in late July; his Travels are compiled later.
Ibn Battuta reports a fast and procession during plague in Damascus. Christians carry the Gospel, Jews carry the Torah, and Muslims bring Qurans as the participants seek relief.
Historical context
The account places Christian communities within the public religious life of a city under Muslim rule. The procession is a particular response to crisis, not proof of uniform interreligious relations.
Key points
- A proclamation calls for fasting.
- The narrative identifies several religious communities.
- Sacred books make each community's identity visible.
People
- Ibn Battuta
- Arghun Shah
Sources and further reading
- Travels: plague in Damascus
Primary travel narrative describing the procession.