The spread of Islam...?

Question

What was the basic message of Islam, and why was it able to expand so successfully?

Answer 1

Both Christianity and Islam preach the same basic tenets.

They both believe that there is an all knowing God who created life and has the power to impose his will at any level he chooses.

There is also a mandate to go out and attempt to convert the non-believers so that God's word can be manifested throughout the land.

And, they also promise an afterlife of eternal bliss if we adhere to a few select rules of conduct.

It's not a bad deal.  To many people, it's like hedging our bets.  If we do believe, we may have eternal life.  If we don't believe, we have only a short period of consciousness before the eternal veil falls.

Of course, when one looks at the details, there are major differences.  But, the high level message is the same.  We must convert ourselves to see that eternal light and then reach out and convert others.

I should say that I truly believe in the concept of God, as I perceive him.  He resides in my consciousness as does all things in all of the Universe.  He is my silent witness.  My awareness.