Diffusion of Islam and Judaism Map of Religion

Spread of Islam Started in Mecca about 622 CE Covered most of modern-day Saudi Arabia by 632 CE Spread to parts of Iraq, Afghanistan and Egypt by 636 CE. Spread to north Africa by 1300 CE Spread along trade routes and by conquest. Video

Appeal of Islam Simple, does not have the contradictions or ambiguities like Christianity. No clergy or “middle man.” Actually “invited” different leaders to convert. Conquered areas weren’t converted by force. Appealed to lower-class citizens.

Life in the Places Islam Spread to Many of the places it spread to were already in civil conflicts so Islam became a unifier. (India, Middle East)

Spread of Judaism Judaism did not spread so much as communities moved(Diaspora). The highest population of Jews is located in Israel. Did not put an emphasis on spreading the belief system.

Appeal of Judaism The founding religion. Offered a moral code. Offered a community. Localized religion.

“Holy Wars” The Crusades – Started as pilgrimages from Europe to holy cities in the Middle East – Later the Christians claimed land. – In some instances Jews fought along side Muslim soldiers to defend Jerusalem against Crusaders. – Video Clip Video Clip