[Publius6961]

The "Spanish" inquisition took place in an area that was profoundly influenced by Muslim thought and action. Could it be that they learned such techniques from their former oppressors? (not that I am defending them, if they read their scripture they should have found it unjustifiable).

You hit the nail right on the head.
Remember that Spain, as a country, was being born at the same time.
Indeed, evicting their oppresors was what accelerated the union of the major Spanish kingdoms.

And having been under Muslim rule for 700 years must have had some influence on how they solved the problem of their oppresors.

[Spiff]

And, anyway, nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!