Drought contributed to the spread of Islam, says new study

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Islam spread much more rapidly soon after its foundation than other great religions. A new study reveals intense droughts in the land of its birth probably played a big part, contributing to the destabilization that meant new ideas had an opportunity to flourish.

In the sixth century CE, a series of crises weakened the Himyarite Kingdom to the extent that it was conquered by Aksum (today's Ethiopia), despite the Red Sea lying between. The destabilization rippled across Arabia. The reasons for the Himyarite troubles have been poorly understood by historians, but Professor Dominik Fleitmann of the University of Basel found a likely explanation in Hoti Cave on the other side of the Arabian peninsula.

Stalagmite growth rates vary with rainfall above the cave, as each drop that reaches the roof of the cave brings more dissolved calcite to add to the cave floor when it lands.

“Even with the naked eye you can see from the stalagmite that there must have been a very dry period lasting several decades,” Fleitmann said in a statement. Closer examination confirmed the most intense drought in the 2,650 years of the stalagmite's growth.

“Water is absolutely the most important resource. It is clear that a decrease in rainfall and especially several years of extreme drought could destabilize a vulnerable semi-desert kingdom,” Fleitmann said. 

Source

[voltron92 2,575]

Lmao I read the title backwards and thought it said drought was caused by the spread of Islam. 

[gumzy3000 7,901]

How does a drought and destabilization help spread new ideas? Wouldn't people be more occupied with survival than learning about new ideas/religions? Did they find solace and comfort in the religion in their time of need? I think the researchers should do a more thorough analysis and explain thier logic and connection. Perhaps the fallen kingdoms gave way to thier Muslim enemies and that's how Islam spread? 

[KORG 4,756]

Religion spreading in times of hardship when people are desperate and vulnerable? Colour me shocked-as-a-missionary.

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1 hour ago, gumzy3000 said:

How does a drought and destabilization help spread new ideas? Wouldn't people be more occupied with survival than learning about new ideas/religions? Did they find solace and comfort in the religion in their time of need? I think the researchers should do a more thorough analysis and explain thier logic and connection. Perhaps the fallen kingdoms gave way to thier Muslim enemies and that's how Islam spread? 

No. People get desperate. Religion spreads blame on people for natural disasters & guilts them into praying for a certain god to fix things. When things eventually fix themselves, they thank god and his almighty powers and live in fear of his next "test".