History: Buddhism and Islam, Essay Example

Buddhism has been an important factor throughout much of China’s history. There are many different schools and although its following dwindled in the region during the chaotic events of the 20^th century, it has, in recent years, regained a steady increase in numbers.Buddhism is believed to have arrived in China through India and Southeast Asia sometime during the 3^rd century AD.  There are many legends and theories the about how exactly this happened.However, any believe that it was originally through the promotion of it by a powerful Chinese emperor.  “The entry of Buddhism in China was very likely brought about by the vast expansionist policies of a single Chinese emperor: the Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty” (Eno 2008, 5)

Buddhism was readily accepted in China due to the presence of Taoist philosophy.  The two religions seem to have a lot in common, and early Chinese Buddhist traditions actually borrowed from Taoist philosophies and meditations.  Furthermore, the ideas of Buddhism were, and are, incredibly accessible to people from all walks of life.  For this reason, the people of China, with their varying social strata, were able to readily accept the new religion.  It appealed to both the working class due to its accepting nature and the higher intellectual classes due its philosophies.  Buddhism was integrated into China through promotion by leaders as well as a cultural identity that was easily recognized.

Islam spread from Mecca and Medina through various processes.  During Muhammad’s initial time in Mecca, he preached to people on the streets and succeeded in creating relatively few converts.  Later, during his time in Medina, he established the religion in a more foundational way.  The basic tenets of Islam were hashed out here and Median became considered sacred ground.  After Medina was established, they were assaulted by Arabs loyal to Mecca.  After a few successive battles, the Islamic people were successful, which helped to spread the word of Islam and began to gain them support from the outside.  As he converted more influential individuals, his cause was strengthened. “As the number of believers increased and the cause of the Prophet was strengthened by the conversion of many powerful citizens, the Prophet’s preaching aroused a serious revolutionary movement.” (Galwash 2013, 37) Eventually, Muhammad would return to Mecca and conquer it, completely uniting Arabia into a single entity.

After his death, the remnants of the religion then began to expand the Islamic state.The formation of the Caliphate helped to strengthen the Islamic state in many ways.  They were able to promote trade with their neighbors, which led to an expansion of the state.  They actively supported the conversion of those within this empire to Islam from paganism and other religions, and their openness through this process only made it go faster.  Initially, its creation was able to help hold the state together, as it gave a sense of continuation of authority after the death of Muhammad. However, this would eventually lead to a schism that has lasted until the present day.

The split between Shi’ite and Sunni has endured due to an inability to find common ground on the matter of the descent of authority within Islam.  It essentially arose due to a disagreement as to the succession of rulers after the death of Muhammad.  This issue runs deep within the community.  It has to do with the legitimacy of rule after the death of the religion’s founder.  If people disagree about this subject, it is hard to find common ground, because the reasons for the disagreement are steeped in history and can never be changed.

Bibliography

Eno, R. Buddhism & Buddhism in China. Indiana University. Spring 2008.  April 2014.

Galwash, Ahmed A. The Religion of Islam. Vol. 1. A Standard Book. Conveying Islamic Message Society. 2013. April 2014.