Foltz: Spread of Islam

The spread of Islam according to this reading by Richard C. Foltz supports Bentley's argument of how people convert to religions, which could be from voluntary association, syncretism, or pressure. Muslim control of the western half of the silk roads led to voluntary association, especially among the merchants. A converted businessman would benefit from communication with Muslim traders as well as from the pleasing conditions received from Muslim officials and Islamic laws focused on commerce. Assimilation, or syncretism, also occurred as indicated by the conversion of Central Asians. By living in rural areas, they kept their Iranian (agricultural) or Turkic (pastoral) religious ways while attaining or adding Islamic meanings, interpretations, and appearances. The final factor of pressure could be seen through the political pressure provided by increased Muslim rule over Central Asia. In addition, Islam's convert-or-die method, despite only being used on local rulers who objected the Muslims, still displayed the use of force or threat to spread the religion.