What are some reasons behind the rapid spread of Islam?

Answer 1

Islam appealed, and still appeals, to millions of people because of its simple and universal teachings. It's teachings of universal equality, brotherhood, peace, respect for fellow human beings, justice and human rights, and devotion to God held great promise for converts. Especially when it was first beginning, Islam had many followers among the poor lower classes because it taught that the homeless are equal to the rich, and everyone is required to help out everyone else.

It spread rapidly during the early centuries not by forced conversion, but because of it's appeal. The conquests of the Arab Muslims of large parts of Asia in the 7th and 8th centuries did not include forced conversion of the masses in any way, shape, or form. It took centuries for the populations under Muslim rule to become majorly Muslim. When people did convert, it was because of the appeal of the religious teachings, but also for financial, commercial, and social gain.

Answer 2

Islam began as a military movement. Its subjects paid higher taxes than its converts which caused a number of people to convert. The military life, accompanied by first choice of the available women and up to four wives, appealed to a number of young men. The women had no choice. That concept brought about many conversions and left fewer wives available for the remaining population.

Answer 3

• Truthfulness
• logic beliefs
• Quran authenticity
• Good morals
• Quran scientific miracles.

The last point may need more explanations. By Quran scientific miracles, it is meant that Quran, that was revealed by God in the 7th century, included scientific statements that was validated, and its correctness was proved, only recently with the current scientific progress and current technologies and discoveries. For more information and examples, you may refer to the questions below.

Additional view point:

1. Islam truthfulness and logistics
2. Quran, Muslims holy book, authenticity as true God words without single letter change
3. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a true human model of good conduct. character, and leader in all aspects of human life.
4. Quran scientific miracles that were validated only with current scientific discoveries and achievements.
5. The Islamic principles that control all aspects of human life in a way that lead to both individual benefits and society benefits in a wonderful balance
6. The deviations of former religions from the main call of all God prophets to worship God (Allah) as one and only one God without a partner, son, father, partner, or companion.

refer to the question listed below for Islam main principles