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Arnold writes:[1]
On the other hand, the influence of the more orthodox doctors of Islam in the conversion of unbelievers is attested by the tradition that twenty thousand Christians, Jews and Magians became Muslims when the great Imām Ibn Ḥanbal died.[2]
The great Muslim scholar, Imām Aḥmad bin Ḥanbal (d. 855) was respected and revered greatly by non-Muslims. He was treated by a Christian physician once. When the Christian entered upon him, he said: “I have desired to see you for many years. Your presence is not only rectification for the people of Islām, but for the whole of creation. There is to be found none amongst our Christian associates except that he is pleased with you.”[3]
As has preceded in earlier parts of this series, Christians received justice, moderation and tolerance from the Muslims, and they recognised the role of Muslim scholars in encouraging and admonishing their rulers to abide by justice and fairness. This was after they had faced centuries of persecution from their co-religionists, as Christians had been torn apart by religious dogmas and controversies and were slaughtering and oppressing each other.
Islām literally saved them from them self-destruction and brought them security, justice and even invigoration.
The funeral of Imām Aḥmad was attended by close to 900,000 people and this had a deep impact on Jews, Christians and Magians who were subjects under Muslim rule, enjoying its justice and moderation. Seeing the effect of belief in the Divine Unicity (Tawhīd) and the Qurʾān upon the character of the Muslims, tens of thousands accepted Islām, willingly, without compulsion.