Download Islam & South/Southeast Asia

South/Southeast Asia &
the Spread of Islam
Chapter 7
Pg. 160-170
Spread of Islam to S. Asia
• All previous invaders were assimilated into
Indian culture until Islam
• Islam & Hinduism are virtually opposite
religions
1st Muslim Invasions
• 711 CE: first Muslim advance & interaction
with India – little enduring change
– Result of previously established trade links
– Arabs welcomed
Indian Influences on Islam
• Islamic civ further advanced by contact
with another advanced society: India
– Math, particularly numerals
– Science
– Arts & customs
2nd Muslim Invasions
• 962 CE: Mahmud of Ghazni begins raids
– Focused in NW India
– Drawn by wealth & desire to spread Islam
• 1190 CE: Muhammad of Ghur transitions
to campaign for political control
– Extended control over northern & NE India
• Delhi Sultanate formed
Patterns of Conversion
• Indians were predominantly converted by
Sufi merchants & missionaries
– Successful in NW India & Bengal among
Buddhists & low-castes
Patterns of Accommodation
• Despite widespread business contacts,
Muslims had little impact on Indian culture
• Instead, Muslims adopted many aspects of
Indian culture
Islam vs. Hinduism
• Islamic challenge: proselytizing, strong appeal
• Hindu revival: emphasized bhakti movements w/
personal emotional devotion
Stand-off
• Islamic-Hindu similarities vigorously
denounced by orthodox ulama & brahmans
• However, India remained one of the least
affected areas with vigorous contact
Spread of Islam to SE Asia
• SE Asia: land of trade & converging influence
– Exposed to Islam as Arabs gained Indian Ocean
dominance
– Islam spread rapidly w/ fall of Buddhist Shrivijaya
empire
Trading Contacts & Conversion
• Islam spread rapidly & peacefully through
traders & Sufis
– Port cities key vs. less receptive areas with
established religion
Sufis & SE Asian Islam
• Sufis mystical approach allowed for much
greater tolerance & local adaptation
– EX: women
Global Connections
• Islamic civ became great conduit during
postclassical era, changing world as a result
• Yet, division & orthodoxy allowed Islamic
civilization to be increasingly exploited
Questions
• Assess the connection between Islam & commerce.
– “O you who believe, devour not excessive interest, doubling
the sum lent. Fear Allah, that you may really prosper.” (Quran)
– “Give just measure & cause no loss to others by fraud.
Weigh with scales true & upright. Withhold not things justly
due to men.” (Quran)
– “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, & righteousness leads
to Paradise. Falsehood leads to wickedness, & wickedness
leads to Hell.” (Hadith)
– “Gold is to be paid for by gold, silver by silver, wheat by
wheat - equal for equal, payment being made on the spot. If
the species differ, sell as you wish provided that payment is
made on the spot.” (Hadith)