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.
