The
golden age of Jewish culture in Spain coincided with the
Middle Ages in Europe, a period of
Muslim rule throughout much of the
Iberian Peninsula. During intermittent periods of time,
Jews were generally accepted in society and Jewish religious, cultural, and economic life blossomed.
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In general, the pact of Omar contains a list of rights and restrictions on non-Muslims (
dhimmis). By abiding to them, non-Muslims are granted security of their persons, their families, and their possessions. Other rights and stipulations may also apply. According to
Ibn Taymiyya, one of the jurists who accepted the authenticity of the pact, the dhimmis have the right "to free themselves from the Covenant of 'Umar and claim equal status with the Muslims if they enlisted in the army of the state and fought alongside the Muslims in battle."