Which of the following statements best describes the spread of Islam during the Arab conquests?
A.
Islam spread only within the lands conquered by Arabs.
B.
Everyone in conquered lands was forced to convert to Islam.
C.
Few non-Arabs ever converted to Islam. *****
D.
Islam spread inside and outside the new Arab Muslim empire.
The option that best describes the spread of Islam during the Arab conquests is option D: Islam spread inside and outside the new Arab Muslim empire.
To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze the options provided.
Option A states that Islam spread only within the lands conquered by Arabs. While it is true that Islam spread quickly within the areas conquered by Arab armies, it also extended outside these territories, making this statement inaccurate.
Option B claims that everyone in conquered lands was forced to convert to Islam. While there were instances of coercion and pressure, particularly during the early years of the Arab conquests, it is not accurate to say that everyone was forced to convert. Many non-Muslim communities were allowed to retain their religious practices, although they were subjected to certain restrictions and sometimes faced discrimination.
Option C suggests that few non-Arabs ever converted to Islam. This statement is not accurate. Throughout history, Islam has attracted followers from diverse regions, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Many non-Arabs, including Persians, Berbers, Turks, and others, embraced the Islamic faith over time.
Option D states that Islam spread inside and outside the new Arab Muslim empire. This statement is supported by historical evidence. While the initial spread of Islam was facilitated by the Arab conquests, the Islamic faith also spread through trade, intermarriage, missionary activities, and cultural exchange to regions far beyond the conquered territories, such as Persia, North Africa, West Africa, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D: Islam spread inside and outside the new Arab Muslim empire.