Early Muslim conquests Jihad

age of caliphs

in era inspired classical islam (rashidun caliphate) , lasted less century, jihad spread realm of islam include millions of subjects, , area extending borders of india , china pyrenees , atlantic . 2 empires impeding advance of islam persian sassanian empire , byzantine empire. 657 persian empire conquered , 661 byzantine empire reduced fraction of former size.

the role of religion in these conquests debated. medieval arabic authors believed conquests commanded god, , presented them orderly , disciplined, under command of caliph. many modern historians question whether hunger , desertification, rather jihad, motivating force in conquests. famous historian william montgomery watt argued “most of participants in [early islamic] expeditions thought of nothing more booty ... there no thought of spreading religion of islam.” similarly, edward j. jurji argues motivations of arab conquests not “for propagation of islam ... military advantage, economic desires, [and] attempt strengthen hand of state , enhance sovereignty ... of determining factors.” recent explanations cite both material , religious causes in conquests.