The Spread of Islam

Spread of Islam Islam spreads despite major geographic barriers including mountains and deserts

Spread of Islam It first spread along the major trade routes to Mecca and Medina Arabic language facilitated trade and intellectual activities

Arabs as Conquerors Tolerant of conquered people Conquered people had three choices Convert to Islam Don’t convert, pay annual tribute Non-Muslims couldn’t be in government Refusal of both meant death Muslims conquer major cities of Jerusalem and Damascus

Arabs as Conquerors Muslim invasion into Europe stopped at Battle of Tours when Franks defeat Moors of Spain In less than 100 years, Muslim/Arab empire spread from India to Spain