The rise of Islam
Not only the pre-Islamic beliefs contributed to the rise of Islam, but also it is worth mentioning the influence of Judaism. Arabia was the home to many adherents of Judaism, thus Jewish merchants spread their beliefs all across the trade routes. Furthermore, Christianity also influenced the establishment of Islamic religion, even though to a lesser degree. Interestingly, a significant number of Arab tribes to the north of the Arabian Peninsula were christianized. Obviously, the perception of Christianity was different. It was associated with the dual interpretation of Christ, namely he was known as the prophet Isa, in other words the direct predecessor of Muhammad. Besides, some episodes of the New Testament are reflected in the Koran. The Prophet Muhammad established the doctrine of the Islamic religion by showing devotion to the one God (“Allah”) as well as promoting rightful behaviour and thoughts (Smith et al., 2012, p. 289).
The central part of the peninsula, where Islam originated, was significantly behind the southern and northern areas in terms of development. Nomadic herding and farming were the main aspects of economic life of the central part of the peninsula. The population of the few cities existed due to maintenance of the caravan routes between India and the West. These paths were mostly through the south of the Arabian Peninsula, as the northern routes were considered more dangerous due to the opposition of Byzantium and Persia. Therefore, the peculiarities of the economic life along with the crisis have found expression in the spiritual sphere. In other words, these conditions where the impetus for the emergence of a new religion. It was Mohammed, or more precisely his words hadith that defined commandments, and in turn created a powerful integrating factor in the form of Islamic religion (Smith et al., 2012, p.297). In Islam, the clergy do not bear the special divine grace, since they are just experts in the Koran and rituals.
References
Smith, B. G., Van De Mieroop, M., von Glahn, R., & Lane, K. (2012). Crossroads and cultures, volume I: To 1450: A history of the world's peoples. Bedford/St. Martin's.
