Question

Why was trade important to the muslim empire

Answer 1

Trade was extremely important to the Muslim empire because there were many world trade routes as far away as China, Africa and Europe. Muslim leaders sought the opportunity to tax wealthy merchants, and use the proceeds to build and maintain public services such as hospitals, schools, roads and bridges.

At the same time,   money was the key for economic prosperity and Muslims were not the exception. They used trade to obtain the money necessary to buy and get products as well as services.

Trade was the main economic activity for the Muslim empire and still is nowadays. Trade facilitated the expansion of the Muslim empire by giving merchants the ability to trade, sale and exchange goods all the way from China to Europe. Thanks to these trade activities, many merchants became very rich and powerful, allowing the Muslim empire to prosper.  

Answer 2

Answer: It helped create unity and a money economy, and facilitated the spread of ideas and culture.

Trade was an important economic activity in the Islamic world. Islamic merchants traded with faraway places like China, Africa and Europe. Their trade goods consisted of sugar, salt, textiles, spices, slaves, gold and horses.

Their routes followed both land (such as the Silk Road) and sea, and it passed through cities such as Mecca, Medina, Constantinople, Baghdad, Morocco, Cairo and Cordoba.

The expanse of trade contributed to the spread of Islam and Arabic culture.