Trade helped Islam spread enormously. Historically, trade was how cultures and peoples mixed and blended. Trade was fundamental to Islam's growth because it helped word spread to other people. Trade  arguments could spark wars, which led to conquests and conversions. Trade could also spread word of Islam without invasions. Travelers and traders could venture abroad to great market cities and lands with religious foundations or upbringings. Perhaps many of the items sold in trade and marketing had religious connotations or connections and generated curiosity in the buyers. Political alliances with other peoples could have led to mass conquest and conversions.

Once the Islamic Empire was fairly large and able to dominate, the religion began to spread more quickly, since more people were able to spread the word about it. Caliphs and armies made great trips to other lands to make sometimes peaceful, sometimes warlike conversions. Growth of cities brought new traditions and often new religions from immigrants. 

Whether it was purposeful or not, Islam was definitely spread through trade with other peoples. 



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