The question "Why did Islam come so late?" is somewhat misleading as Islam's emergence is not considered "late" within its own historical context and the perspective of its followers. However, if the question intends to ask why Islam emerged in the 7th century CE rather than earlier or later, the answer lies in a combination of social, economic, and geographical factors that shaped the Arabian Peninsula during that specific period.
Factors Contributing to Islam's 7th-Century Emergence
It's important to understand that the development of religions is complex, but here are some of the factors that led to Islam appearing in the 7th century CE:
Environmental & Socio-Economic Pressures
- Resource Scarcity: As referenced, the Arabian Peninsula had a harsh environment with scarce fertile land and water. This pushed tribes into competition for resources. Such pressures might have led to a societal environment that was ripe for a unifying idea like Islam, which could regulate and bring unity to the different tribes.
- Trade Routes: The Arabian Peninsula was strategically located at the crossroads of major trade routes. This led to interaction with various cultures and religions, such as Christianity and Judaism. This interaction, along with local polytheistic beliefs, provided a context within which a new monotheistic religion like Islam could develop.
The Role of the Prophet Muhammad
- Unification: Prophet Muhammad, who is believed by Muslims to be the final prophet of God, was instrumental in unifying the Arabian tribes under the banner of Islam. He provided a set of religious, ethical, and social codes that served to transform the divided and chaotic tribal society into a unified community.
- Religious Innovation: He presented the teachings of Islam as a correction and final version of previous divine revelations. This offered a clear and comprehensive religious structure, contrasting with the diverse religious beliefs that previously existed in the area.
The Timing of Divine Revelation
- Divine Will: From a religious perspective, Muslims believe the timing of Islam's emergence was divine will and the culmination of God's message throughout history. They believe the world was in a state that required the final and perfect revelation brought by Islam.
Islamization Process
The provided reference speaks to the objective of conquests, which was mostly of a practical nature, driven by the scarcity of resources. The quote, "A real Islamization therefore came about only during the subsequent centuries," suggests that while conquests began soon after the emergence of Islam, the deeper conversion and embedding of Islamic practices and culture took time and was a gradual process.
Why the Concept of Late is Misleading
The idea that Islam came "late" assumes it should have existed before, but each religion has its unique historical and cultural context. The emergence of Islam in the 7th century was the result of specific interactions between social, economic, geographical, and religious circumstances that aligned at that time and place.
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Resource scarcity | The arid environment of the Arabian Peninsula created a pressure for resources. |
| Strategic Location | Being at the crossroads of trade routes exposed the area to various ideas, which contributed to shaping Islam. |
| Prophet Muhammad | His role in unifying the tribes was crucial. |
| Time of Revelation | Muslims believe it was the right time for the final message. |
| Gradual Islamization | The process of conversion was gradual and complex, as Islam spread and took root through time. |
