Buddhism and Islam were the two main religions that spread to China as a result of the Silk Road. The Silk Road, as suggested by its name, was a trade route primarily for silk. However, many other items and ideas were traded along this pathway including items such as metals, spices, tools, and animals. In order for this trading to occur, merchants moved from city to city bringing their items and ideas. Most merchants did not travel great distances because of security purposes which means the items and ideas that traveled great distances must have been passed on through several merchants and travelers.
One of the ideas that traveled great distances was the Islamic faith. Islam, founded by Muhammad, came from Mecca which is located in current day Saudi Arabia. Islam’s fundamental teaching is following God’s word. The five important aspects of this religion include faith, prayer, fasting, sharing, and pilgrimage.
Visit http://gallery.sjsu.edu/silkroad/religion.htm or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_china to read more on the Islamic faith and its influence on China. The distance traveled by this religion is great in magnitude and has become great in importance. Today, Islam dominates many parts of China and is one the major religions besides Buddhism.
It is without a doubt that the creation of The Silk Road was an important aspect in history because of its influence on today’s society. Islam and Buddhism might have never reached China without The Silk Road. Without Buddhism and Islam, China might not be the country that it is today.
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