Islam Over Time: The Spread Of Islam

Islam Over Time
Islam, at the time of its origin, was the fastest and largest growing religion, unparalleled by the other religions present. The Muslim religion began in Arabia following the spiritual revelations of Muhammad, who believed himself to be the last prophet of Allah (God). Islam became a defining factor of the Arab empire’s culture and the faith spread just as far and even farther than the empire itself. Seeing as the Islamic religion has lasted up to modern times, it is no surprise that, since it began, changes have occurred or that some things, inevitably, have stayed the same. The changes in Islam include those in the belief of spiritual equality and general unity between those included in the umma, whereas one of the most prominent
A passage of Islam’s holy book, the Quran, states, “Those who surrender themselves to Allah and accept the true faith; who are devout, sincere, patient, humble, charitable, and chaste; who fast and are ever mindful of Allah- on these, both men and women, Allah will bestow forgiveness and rich reward.” Another says that, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white-except by piety and good action.” The holy book encourages the umma to, “Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.” For an individual, especially a woman, living in a culture where men are in every way superior to women, a brand-new religion with beliefs that emphasize spiritual and social equality would seem quintessential! A woman unable to participate in social or religious activities would convert immediately to Islam, where she could be equal with all of her peers and cultivate a real, personal relationship with her God without the interference of a husband or father. This was the reality of early Islam; however, on grounds where territory expands and population skyrockets, inequality breeds and grows. The important doctrinal ideals of equality took a drastically new turn as the Arab empire (which held the majority of Muslim believers) grew in population and modernity. Accompanied by the expansion of the Arab Empire also came the restriction of freedoms previously bestowed upon women. Ladies were now prompted to start wearing veils to shield their faces. Wealthier women were encouraged to live in secluded areas of their home so they would abide concealed from others.