In the begginning of the text the author states there might be a lot of discrepencies between different sources in how the conquests, battles, etc, occured. I was just curious to what everyone thought were the motivations for the Islamic people early on in these conquests. I know it was heavily based on the drive for political, economic, and military power but it was also driven from a religious point of view as well (getting rid of the polytheists and pagans being a major factor). Starting with pg. 567 and on if you have an opinion either way to which factor you think was more influential in the spread of Islam: political/economic/military or religious/spiritual?
Seth
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I think the conquests were based on all of those factors in some way, but I think that the conquests were very largely driven from a religious and political point of view. This can be seen in the quote, "The conquests can most plausibly be seen as an outgrowth of the career of the prophet Muhammad, which embraced not only preaching his new religion of Islam but also successfully consolidating his political authority..." While the religious aspect of the conquests did not take effect in many places right away, the Muslims were able to easily take over in the primary conquests and expand their empire. The conquests of Islam also resulted in a rich and varied culture from all the combined elements of the different conquered civilizations.
I would say that the spread of Islam is more influential through a political and economic standpoint. This is because many people were trying to get into Muhammad's dominating power group. It said that Muhammad proved himself a powerful diplomat when it came to dealing with other powerful groups. Merchants and financiers see this characteristic in Muhammad and feel that they can add their skills to further the power of the group and to make alliances with the other powerful groups so that no fighting will breakout.
I think that the conquests were so much based on economical and military power, but more on the idea of spreading Islam. I think that this was their way of being able to spread the word of Muhammad and spread the new religion of Islam. Also Muhammad was seen as a very powerful figure, and i would assume that many people would want to be on his good side and be in essence allies with him.
I think it is hard to say which one is the main influential factor. Most people want power, they want to be recognized as someone. And if one has this power, it will be known that they are a force to be reckoned with or not to be reckoned with however way you look at it. So if you have this power, you have probably traveled around to areas near to you and possibly far, anyhow with your power you probably have spread your beliefs upon the people because you want them to follow you. So, I think power and religion might go hand in hand in this situation. Of course, you want your religion to spread and survive through the centuries, but if your a Muslim you are going to have to go through the polytheists first, and then might be difficult just through words. Power might have to come into play. I think Jenni A found a good quote on how it might be largely for religious purposes. I think Muhammad only wanted to use physical power when necessary, I think he would rather use spiritual power, the power of his God to do work on the people.
All of these points did factor into being a influence on spreading the word of Islam. Yet, out of all of them listed one in particular stood out to me that seemed more influential in the spead of Islam which is political. I think that played a large role in bringing in more new members and making the Islamic community larger. Politics are taken into account even expressed through out this reading. For example, when Muhammad had to prove himself to powerful groups in western Arabia. You can get a sense of how political views are important in spreading Islam.
I think the conquests are based on both political/economic power and religious power. At this time, Islam was obviously a religion with a smaller following, and for most Muslims, more economic power or political power goes hand in hand with religious power. I think that it is nearly impossible in this particular time period given what we know about Islam that a conquest can be undertaken without having both economic/political influence and religious influence; the two are so interconnected because religion often was the basis of politics, and therefore the conquests were fought equally for both.
I would say that the spread of Islam was mostly influenced by economic and political reasons. An economic reason would be that people did not want to pay the high taxes that were forced upon those who were not muslim. I believe that it is political because Muhammad was one of the most powerful leaders at this time and they knew that if they became a part of this power group, than they would have the resources and support to live a safe life within their power.
I think that the conquests intention is to inform people about Islam as well as to protect the Islamic area's boarder from their enemy.
I agree after the period of Caliphate Ali, that the intention may be for political and economical reasons.
I believe that the conquests were mostly inspired by the need to sustain and promote the Islamic faith, which were both encouraged by the prophet Muhammad. By conquering and acquiring large territories, Muslims began the process of securing their civilization as well as their religion. Political and economical power are other traits that are essential to their conquests because they give them a sense of authority and power needed to maintain a strong Muslim community.
I believe the conquests had several motives including political, economic, militia, and religious purposes. But above all, the most important factor being the underlining spread of Islam. Muhammad's followers trusted in his credibility therefore accepting his new religion and his politics. Following a religion, or accepting a certain belief system doesn't just have a spiritual component but also a faith in politics. It doesn’t make sense to believe in a certain religion, but disagree with its leaders, their authority, and their actions as authority. My point is, Muhammad’s followers trusted in his political authority and proved himself a skillful diplomat. Therefore, the conquests had a definite religious influence and motive but also an inevitable political aspect.
I think that the conquests were influenced by politics and military. I don't think religion had much to do with the conquests. "...Islamic conquests did not usually result in the conversion of the conquered populations to Islam..." The conquests were a form of power and control, especially the 'spice' trade route and routes throughout the Middle East. I do however believe that religion did play a role during the conquests. Religion provided security for the conquered region. It established a connection and oneness with the conquerers (Muslims), and provided great organization within the states.
I think that the spread of Islam was because of a poltical and economic standpoint. People saw Muhammad's tribe were very well off and had a lot to offer and they wanted to be included in that. Maybe they thought that if they converted to Islam, they would have a better lifestyle.
I believe the spread of Islam and the words of Muhammad were an idealistic reasoning behind the conquest. I think is was the main focus, but of course I can also see how political and economical influenced the conquest as well. I agree with gbrock that jenni A chose a good quote to link the political and religious influences of the conquests. Because Muhammad was seen as such a powerful figure being allied with him was something that was important to people who were trying to strengthen their position in the community. In my opinion a lot of good came out of the conquests, overall they had positive intentions.
I would have to say that the largest reason for these conquests was religious. Muhammeds followers believed in this religion so firmly that they felt that they should make all the world part of it.
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