Which factor helped spread Islam
A. People were looking for new beliefs.
B. Merchants carried the faith to new lands.
C. Rulers required residents to convert.
D. People found new ideas easier to follow.
B. Merchants carried the faith to new lands.
The factor that helped spread Islam was B. Merchants carried the faith to new lands.
To determine which factor helped spread Islam, we need to analyze the options given:
A. People were looking for new beliefs: It is true that some people may have been looking for new beliefs during that time. However, this factor alone would not be sufficient to explain the widespread dissemination of Islam.
B. Merchants carried the faith to new lands: This is a significant factor that contributed to the spread of Islam. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Arab merchants played a crucial role in spreading Islam as they traveled to different regions and engaged in trade, thus introducing the faith to new lands and communities.
C. Rulers required residents to convert: While there were instances in history where rulers enforced conversion to Islam, such as the Arab conquests, this approach was not the primary factor responsible for the spread of Islam. Conversions by force were not the norm, and Islam spread to many regions where there was no imposition from rulers.
D. People found new ideas easier to follow: This factor could have played a role in the spread of Islam, as people may have indeed found the teachings and principles of Islam appealing and easier to follow compared to other belief systems. However, on its own, this factor would not provide a comprehensive explanation for the widespread dissemination of Islam.
Considering these points, the most significant factor that helped spread Islam is B. Merchants carried the faith to new lands. The travels of Arabian merchants facilitated the introduction and acceptance of Islam in various regions, leading to its gradual expansion.