How did Islam destroy the classical world?

[abaris]

Europeans being taken as slaves by Arabs is not something that is often talked about (Africans suffered way worse at the hands of Arabs, mind), so appreciated that at least.

Because it didn't happen that often. Usually when Europeans tried to invade or actually invaded muslim countries. POWs, the term actually didn't exist back then, were often sold into slavery. Unless they converted to Islam. The Ottoman empire, which lasted longest, followed a Roman policy. They integrated the peoples they conquered. As long as you paid your taxes, you could believe whatever you wanted. And some christians made it into very high administrative positions.

But make no mistake. Europeans weren't any better in that department. Richard the Lionfart put the whole garrison of Akkon to the sword. After not getting the desired ransom. Business as usual in the Middle Ages with no international treaties in place.