Question
Explain the features of Islamic religion which contributed to its spread through the sub-continent.

Answer

Following are the features of Islamic religion which contributed to its spread through the sub-continent:
  1. Muslim rulers often adopted a moderately flexible policy towards their subjects. For example, many rulers gave land endowments and granted tax exemptions to Hindu, Jaina, Christian, Zoroastrian and Jewish religious institutions and also showed respect and devotion towards non-Muslim religious leaders.
  2. The development that followed the coming of Islam were not restricted to ruling aristocrats, actually they spread far and wide, through the subcontinent, amongst various social strata-peasants artisans, warriors, merchants etc.
  3. All those people who adopted Islam accepted, in principle the five pillars of the faith that there is one God, Allah and Prophet Muhammad is his messenger; offering prayers five times a day, giving alms; fasting during the month of Ramzan and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.
  4. These universal characteristics were often overlaid with diversities in practice derived from sectarian affiliations and the influence of local customary practices of converts from various social milieus. The complex blend of a universal faith with local traditions is probably exemplified in the architecture of mosques. The sufis laid emphasis on seeking salvation through intense devotion and love for God by following. His commands and by following the example of the prophet Muhammad whom they considered as a perfect human being.

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