ISLAM

General Overview
Islam is a monotheistic religion prevalent among regions in the Middle East. Muslims believe that they should adhere to the teachings of their holy book (Quran). The Muslim faith calls for the strong worship of Allah and honor to their prophet Muhammad. Muslims are divided up into two categories: Sunni (75-90%) and Shia (10-20%).

Birthplace

• Rise started from Muhammad
• Known to rise from the Middle East
• Began when Muhammad heard voices and visions
• Was rejected at first to the new idea of Islam
• Can be traced back from 7th century

SPREAD
It spread around 613 C.E. when the Islamic prophet Muhammad began to share his revelation of God (Allah). Since he was persecuted by the public of his ideas, he soon moved to different parts of the world.

UNDERLYING CAUSE

• Strong faith of the Early Muslims
• The principles are logical and clear
• Conquests (not forced to become Muslim though)
• Mecca was a strong trade city
• Gave rights to many oppressed people

ECONOMY

• Had a complicated banking system with security
• Improved transportation greatly affected trade
• Increased agricultural production contributed to rapid growth of cities in Islamic world from India to Spain
• One of the most influential industry was paper manufacturing
• Had a large variety of crops

ITEMS TRADED

• Paper
• Cloth/textiles
• Ivory
• Metal goods
• War armaments