Final answer:
Ethnocentrism within Islam can manifest as a belief in the superiority of Islamic culture and practices, which became widespread after Islam's expansion beyond Southwest Asia. Despite this, the Islamic world generally maintained inclusivity towards other monotheistic religions, promoting unity and cohesion through trade and shared religious values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ethnocentrism can play a role within Islam in the same ways it might influence any cultural or religious group. When individuals within a society view their own culture, beliefs, or religion as superior to others, this can lead to an ethnocentric perspective. The wide spread of Islam from its origins in Southwest Asia throughout Africa, Europe, India, and Southeast Asia showcases the religion's ability to traverse and adapt to diverse cultures.
However, Islam also maintains unique features that connect deeply with its Arabian origins. This is evident in the reverence held for holy cities like Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, Karbala, and Najaf, and the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad, which gives Islam its character and a sense of unity among its followers. The concept of social justice in Islam, which calls for abiding by Allah's words for altruism and helping others, stands in contrast to Western individualism, as argued by African and Islamic scholars.
Moreover, by the sixteenth century, Islam had not only facilitated a cohesive network through trade but also provided a unifying force among Muslims, despite theological differences. This includes the acceptance of other monotheistic religions within Islamic empires, such as Judaism and Christianity, highlighting a level of inclusivity despite an overarching Islamic dominance. It's essential to recognize the ethnocentric potential in the expansion of Islam and its empires, as the adoption of Islamic laws and cultural practices could sometimes supplant indigenous traditions, aligning them more closely with the core tenets of Islam as interpreted by the dominant ruling class.