The edict issued by Isabella I of Castile in 1502 was a pivotal moment in the history of religious policies in Spain. Following the completion of the Reconquista in 1492, where the last Muslim stronghold of Granada fell to Christian forces, the Catholic Monarchs sought to consolidate their power and promote a unified religious identity across their realms. This edict specifically targeted the Muslim population in Castile, mandating their conversion to Christianity and prohibiting the practice of Islam. This policy was driven by the influence of the Catholic Church and the desire to eliminate any remaining non-Christian influences within their territories.

As a result of the edict, many Muslims faced impossible choices—publicly convert to Christianity, continue practicing their faith in secret, or leave their homes. The social ramifications were profound, as entire communities were disrupted, and cultural practices were suppressed. Imamates and Muslim symbols were destroyed or mangled in the fervor to Christianize the population. Additionally, the royal decree incited fear and resistance within Muslim communities, leading to various forms of opposition, including secret practices of Islam despite the outlawing of their beliefs.

The edict was part of a broader strategy to ensure religious homogeneity, paving the path for future legislation and traditional ecclesiastical repression against Muslim and later Jewish communities. Notably, conversion did not always equate to genuine belief; many converted Muslims, known as 'Moriscos,' continued to practice their culture and religion in secret, leading to further conflicts and eventual measures against them in subsequent decades.