DBQ

Noah Brown

Trade in the Middle-East, Europe, and in some parts of the far east, trade was religiously looked down upon because it did not comply with many of the religious point of views and ethics. Trade was considered to be the occupation of a cheat, and was not accepted in most areas where there was a dominant world religion.

In documents 2, 4, and 5 we can see how religion conflicted with trade. In document 2 we can see that by the point of view of Muslims, Islam allows traders to remain in their occupation because it is a way of living. In document 4 we can see that by a Christian point of view, if traders should barter with Muslims, the Pope will have them excommunicated. In document 5 we see yet another Christian point of view on trade, and it explains that those who go to trade on trade days cannot attend Church, and therefore views trade in a negative fashion.

As seen in document 1 [Hadith, Islamic legal code, 8th century], early Islam and trade had conflict in the Muslim world because the people in the areas where the market places of Ukaz, Majanna and Dhul-Majaz are located, believed that it might be a sin. But the religion of Islam molded to this and stated that it was not a sin to trade (blessing of transaction). Because of this, trade flourished in those markets. Also in document 3 [Reginald of Durham, 12th century] it states that traders are allowed to become religious. Thus, religion molded to trade throughout different times and religions.

From a philosophical view in document 6, traders are yet again looked down upon and are viewed as insignificant and ignorant.

Nowhere in these documents do we see an India point of view on trade. That would be a great additional document and would add much more information. Plus a document from the Catholic Church to see how they used trade to raise money for the Church via selling parchment with a guarantee of arrival in heaven.