Disguised Faith: How the Jews of Mashhad Practiced Judaism in Secret

Triggered by false accusations—similar to what Baslian described—the Muslim population attacked the Jewish quarter. Homes were looted, synagogues destroyed, and many Jews were killed. Survivors were given a brutal ultimatum: convert to Islam or face death.

Under extreme duress, the entire Jewish community outwardly converted to Islam. They became known as Jadid al-Islam (new Muslims), but internally, they continued to practice Judaism in secret.