Islamic History of Sociology and Science
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The Umayyad Arabs in Al-Andalus called the Vikings "Majus" (or al-Majus), a disparaging word that meant "pagans" or "fire-worshippers."
The origins of this phrase show how mediaeval Islamic academics perceived Norsemen, associating them with non-Abrahamic, polytheistic people and Zoroastrians.
By drawing comparisons between Persian fire-worship and Norse cremation customs, scholars such as Ibn Said strengthened the perception of the Norse as foreign and antagonistic.
The Umayyad use of "Majus" resulted from a wider Islamic view of paganism and foreign religious practices, whereas the Vikings targeted Christian monasteries, according to historians.
Reference:
Among the Norse Tribes
November 02, 1999
Written by Judith Gabriel
AramcoWorld
