Islamic Cultural
Diffusion
What Led to the Spread of Islam?
Military Success
Muslims armies were very organized and had effective mobility.
• After conquering cities, they would gain the support of military
and naval forces of the conquered lands
• Besides being well disciplined and expertly commanded,
Muslims used tactical warfare that overwhelmed their enemy.
• Because they believed that their victories were sign of Allah’s
support of Islam, Muslims armies fought bravely.
• The faith of the Muslims soldiers was crucial to their military
success.
• The weaknesses of the Byzantine and Persian empires led to
military triumphs for Muslims.
• During the famous battle of Tours in 732, Christian warriors
halted the Muslim advance in Western Europe and confined
them to Spain.
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Muslim Trade Network
Because of their geographic location, Muslims were linked to trade and
ideas by both sea and land.
• The Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean connected the Muslim
Empire with the rest of the world through sea-trading zones.
• Arabia’s access to land and sea transportation routes allowed Muslims
to trade freely through Asia, Africa and Europe.
• A Muslim land network connected Asia, Africa and Europe through the
Silk Road trade routes.
• In cities like Mecca, Cairo and Baghdad, a blending of culture resulted
in information and ideas being carried outside Arabia.
• The spread of Islamic culture contributed to advance learning in
medicine, mathematics and science.
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Treatment of Conquered
Peoples
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After being conquered, many people were attracted by the
appeal of Islamic culture and chose to convert to Islam.
Muslims treated conquered people with toleration and allowed
them to retain their own religions.
Because of the similarities between their religions, Islamic
culture and ideas appealed to many Christians and Jews.
Muslims’ tolerance of non-Muslims wan non-Muslims support
and led to widespread acceptance of Islamic ideas and beliefs.
For some people who were already persecuted, Muslims
invaders were welcomed as liberators.
Regions of Africa
Islamic Africa Today