Final answer:
The importance of the Arabian Peninsula as a trade center led to the spread of Islam through the exchange of goods, ideas, languages, and technologies along the trade routes. Islam originated in the Arabian Peninsula and gradually expanded to other trade centers. Arab seafaring also played a role in spreading Islam beyond the control of Arab empires and kingdoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Arabian Peninsula's importance as a trade center played a significant role in the spread of Islam. The Arabs were well-known merchants due to their camel caravans that linked Europe to the Spice Road, transporting goods from India and China. These trade routes connected various regions, facilitating the exchange of not only goods but also ideas, languages, and technologies.
Islam itself originated on the Arabian Peninsula, where Prophet Muhammad began preaching and organizing the religion in Mecca. As Islam spread across the region, it also spread to other trade centers along the trade routes, including North Africa, the Middle East, Persia, South Asia, and the Iberian Peninsula. Trade in all types of goods unified the wider Islamic world and fostered a sense of cohesiveness, despite political and ethnic differences.
Furthermore, Arab seafaring allowed Islam to spread beyond the control of Arab empires and kingdoms. Muslim merchants brought their faith along sea routes, reaching regions as far as Indonesia. The extensive trade networks established a collective ummah, or community, that stretched from Spain to China. In this way, trade and travel became pivotal factors in the spread and establishment of Islam.