Summary

Ana Duque Chilin Summary

Islam began as a religion in Arabia, in the time of prophet Muhammad. After his death, Arabia saw for the first time the institution of a rigid and strong government, that tried to unify the entire region. The new leaders, or califs, sought new ways to spread their religion, and with it, their culture, to other regions, which include as far as Spain and as far as China.

One of the ways by which Islam spread was by war and conquest. Arabs, under the rule of Abu Bakr, defeated the ancient Byzantine empire, thus entering Eastern Europe and Middle East areas such as Jerusalem (Christianity controlled) and Persia. Islamic rulers were able to gain many converts because they were harsh against other religions, like Christianity. People preferred to convert to islam rather than to keep their old religion and being taxed and keep a low status under the Arab rule.

In Europe, Islam started in Spain, where the Caliphate of Cordoba was established. This political institution was able to rule the entire Mediterranean area. Arabs in the area could build a strong army. Trade and blending of ideas were possible thanks to the activity of the merchants. They were able to travel widely overseas, thus carrying the Arab culture to other places and letting the blending of ideas to happen.

Islam helped the Europeans to recover much of the Greek knowledge they had lost because of the nomadic invasions after the fall of Rome. Also, they introduced the taste for luxury items like Persian carpets, new foods like coffee and yogurt, and the chess and numeric system.

Islam proved to be a strong force. It was able to dominate Middle East areas and European areas in little time. Thanks to the rule, and the spiritual approach it gave to the people, allowed it to mix and incorporate to other cultures without loosing its essence.