By :Abu Zakariya
In 921, an Arabian nobleman, Ahmad ibn Fadlan, set out on a diplomatic mission from Baghdad to the Vikings on the Volga River, known as the “Rus.” They were Nordic Vikings who had set out on voyages of trade and plunder. Ibn Fadlan was sent by the caliph in Baghdad to explore the newly conquered areas under Islamic rule.
The account of Ibn Fadlan—a distinguished and refined Islamic scholar representing the upper echelons of Islamic society—is both fascinating and disturbing. It is particularly fascinating because it reveals to us the very apparent superiority of Islam and Muslims at the time. However, it is also very telling as to how the roles have now been reversed, and it imparts some very valuable lessons that can be gleaned from history.
The work itself reveals Ibn Fadlan as a keen and fair observer. His tone is neutral, and he does not try to color the account in any biased way. One could even say that it comes off as a bit humorous sometimes due to the awkwardness of such a cultured man having to endure the company of people as low and savage as the Vikings.