The characteristics that contributed to the spread of Islam were significant. Islam mainly spread by physical contact. When talking about the spread if religion it does not always have to include a battle. Muslims felt that war violated their principles. Education played a big role in the spread of Islam. Coercion was strictly forbidden Muslims were to invite others to the Way by their wisdom. Many Islam teachers were able to preserve Aristotle's teachings. While Christians and Europeans were experiencing a period of Dark Ages, Islam had sophisticated teachings. Another characteristic that played a role in the spread was many Muslims were more liberal than other rulers. Muslims were expected to be more bearable than Byzantine rulers are. Jerusalem and Egypt both followed. Since the Jews were persecuted in Spain under the rule of Visigoth, they were more than happy to join with Muslims to help take over Spain. Both Christians and Jews converted to Islam. Some say economic factors had n effect on the expansion of Islam. Khalid, a newly converted Quryshite, offered to the people of Damascus security for their lives, properties and churches. Their city would not be demolished, nor would any Muslim have to stay imprisoned in their own homes. So long as they pay a certain amount of money in taxes, this shall all come to them. Despite the reputation of Islam, they were very tolerant. This was very different elsewhere. When non-Muslims witnessed how liberal Islam was they were willing to convert. Muslims had high standards for wartime decorum. Islam saw itself as a civilized religion that did not believe in torture or humiliation of people or prisoners. The crusaders would not stand for those beliefs or may not even honor them. Another trait is that the Quran forbids any forced conversions. It was not at the point of the sword that convinced Muslims to travel or convert. Muslims would usually have people convert on their own.
