“The Name of Allah Comes from Alif”: Sufism and the Spread of Islam Among Indian Women

Students sometimes struggle to understand the difference between armies conquering territory and the later effects on people. The spread of Muslim rule and the spread of Islam are a good example of this challenge. Between 600 and 1400, Muslim rule rapidly spread across much of Afroeurasia. The spread of Islam (as in people practicing Islam) occurred at a slower rate. Conquering warriors rarely persuaded everyday people to convert to Islam. More often, merchants and Sufis convinced people to start practicing Islam. This process frequently occurred slowly, which can be challenging to teach students unless we find the right source!

The Source