The characteristics that contributed to the spread of Islam were significant. Islam mainly spread by physical contact. When talking about the spread if religion it does not always have to include a battle. Muslims felt that war violated their principles. Education played a big role in the spread of Islam. Coercion was strictly forbidden Muslims were to invite others to the Way by their wisdom. Many Islam teachers were able to preserve Aristotle's teachings. While Christians and Europeans were experiencing a period of Dark Ag