The answer is Islam as a tradition was compatible with a trading culture. Because Islam initiated and has advanced in an Arab culture, other cultures which have accepted Islam have inclined to be influenced by Arab customs. Thus Arab Muslim societies and other Muslims have cultural affinities, though every society has preserved its unique characteristics. Arabs traditionally had a tradition of trade and commerce, the Muslims continued that tradition. It was due to their advantage in navigation, shipbuilding, astronomy, and scientific measuring devices that Arab and Muslim commerce and trade developed and reached so many peoples throughout the world. Islamic craftsmanship in bookmaking and bookbinding were items of trade which carried the message of Islamic civilization far and widespread.