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Thesis Statement:
The spread of Islam & Islamic political rule from “the Atlantic to the borders of China” from 622-1453 C.E. was ultimately achieved through both conquest on the part of the Islamic Empire and peaceful conversion to Islam. This was due to the drive of the Muslim army provided by their faith, the incentives to convert specifically for non-Muslims under Islamic rule, and how Muslims practice both greater and lesser jihad, drawing people to the religion and enabling them to conquer forcibly.
One motivator for Muslim soldiers that resulted in the building of the empire through conquest was the knowledge that dying for their cause was an honourable deed. As stated in Document 4,
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This term can be divided into subsections- greater jihad being “...the fight against evil within oneself”, along with lesser jihad, “the external struggle against oppression… a physical struggle”. With respects to the former, living by greater jihad includes “working hard for a goal, giving up a bad habit, getting an education, or obeying parents…”, as cited in the document. A major element of greater jihad is self-restraint, which is evidenced in many Muslim practices, such as Sawm (fasting), specifically during the month of Ramadan, the intention being to teach Muslims to be willful and aware. These are remarkably admirable qualities, and earned Muslims the respect of other people. Additionally, aspects of greater jihad include being self sufficient and seeking out an education, regardless of gender, something that is not readily available to all other civilizations- converting to Islam would make it possible for them too to live by greater jihad. As well as this, the Quran set “specific terms” for fighting which prohibited the desecration of any item and the mutilation of the enemy’s dead. These merciful post-victory terms also earned the Islamic army respect and encouraged conversion, a parallel to the astonishment of the Meccans when Muhammad’s army did not destroy their town, rather invited them to join him, which they did (631 CE). Addressing lesser jihad, this encouragement to fight against oppression allowed the Muslims to conquer by force while staying in line with their beliefs. War was justified through lesser jihad, as Muslims perceived it as a threat (a form of “opposition”) when countries refused to accept the terms of surrender outlined in Document 3. These guaranteed safety and protection provided they pay a tax and their laws protect the Muslims settled in their land. Should the attempt at