Chapter 7: The Spread of Islam to South and Southeast Asia

1. Chapter 7: The Spread of Islam to South and Southeast Asia By: Eddy Vaisberg

2. Islam vs. Hinduism • Islam (I) vs. Hinduism (H) • I: One exclusive god • H: Many different forms of Gods and of religious devotion • I: All believers are equal under god • H: Caste Hierarchy • I: Religiously more rigid. • H: Social System more rigid.

3. vs.

4. First Islamic Invasion • Unlike other invaders, Muslims had as sophisticated of a culture as the Indians. • More Muslim traders and mystics began to settle into the Indus Valley • In 711, Muhammad ibn Qasim led 10,000 men and conquered the Indus valley. • Done as retaliation to Sind attacks on Islamic trader ships. • Invasion had little affect on Indians. • “People of the Book” – freedom to worship • Some surrender towns willingly to pay lighter tax

5. Muhammad ibn Qasim

6. Indian Influence on Islam • The bulk of Indian learning as well as culture was transmitted to the Middle East through these contacts • Arabic Numerals • Astronomy • Indian doctors set up hospitals in Bagdad. • Treated Arab leaders • Chess • Adopted dress and hairstyles

8. Second Islamic Invasion • Muslim control of the Indus Valley became weaker. • Mahmud of Ghanzi, the third ruler of the Turkish Slave dynasty, began a long period of conquest of Northern India. • Wanted to spread Islam + get riches. • Muhammad of Ghur took political control over the region • Eventually Qutb-ud-din Aibak took control • Took over most of Northern India and established Delhi. • Had control over Northern India for over 3 centuries

10. Conversion and Accommodation • Most converts were not won forcibly. • Islam mainly spread by merchants and Sufi mystics. • Main converts were Buddhists and lower caste citizens • Many group conversions • Some converted to escape head tax • At first Hindu leaders believed that Muslims were another newcomer that would get absorbed into the way of life. • Muslims began to implement the caste system • Hindus were part of Islamic army • Women status declined with Muslim invasion • Sati

11. Hindu Revival • Soon Hindu leaders realized that the Islamic religion was very powerful. • Created devotional cults called Bhaktic Cults • Membership was open to all • Stressed strong bond between man and the gods. • These cults helped stem the tide of conversional of lower caste citizens

12. What Happened Overall? • Hindus remained overwhelming majority in South Asia • Large Muslim community was established • Any attempted to fuse religions together was denied do to difference in core beliefs. • Least converted of all areas that Islam has spread.

13. Spread of Islam Into Southeast Asia • The islands of the South East were primarily focused on trade between India and China • After the fall of the Shrivijaya empire, Islamic traders were able to convert citizens of the empire. • Muslims once again used voluntary conversion. • The religion spread across the islands starting with Sumatra. • Once one major city was converted others followed • Mosques and schools were established. • Allowed people to keep Pre-Islamic beliefs • They mixed religions together • Women status increased.

15. Resources • http://www.indhistory.com/img/hindu-gods-kali.jpg • http://www.duis.org.uk/mimages/Allah.jpg • http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art91.gif • http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/islam/games/pictures/almovarid%3Fchess.jpg • http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/giftshop/product_images/astronomy.jpg • http://images.nationmaster.com/images/motw/historical/ward_1912/india_north_1857.jpg • http://www.ling.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/images/seasmap2.jpg