Ap World Dbq Christian and Islam Attitude Towards...

Using the Documents, compare and contrast the differences of Christian and Islamic attitudes towards merchants until about 1500. From a review of the 7 documents presented, it is clear that Christianity and Islam condemned inequitable trade, which led to many Christians and Muslims to look down upon merchants; however, honest business, especially as a merchant, is honored highly. In fact, the Quran compares fair merchants to martyrs which were some of the holiest people of all [D2]. However, many Christian and Muslim believers found most merchants to be dishonest and greedy. A Christian scholar describes a merchants job and then concludes that when a person sells something for more than it is worth, it is unjust and unlawful [D4].†¦show more content†¦Ibn Khaldun, in the 14th century, also explains why he and other Muslims view merchants are not worthy of respect. Aquinas and Khaldun clarify why their faiths look down upon merchants. Also, a merchants mother gave the perspective of a common Christians view of merchants. Her obvious chastisement and command to crave not for all; you already have enoug h to suffice you! [D6]. Common people also thought merchants craved for money, as seen in this mothers letter. Islam and Christianity always to commended honest business and condemned greedy, inequitable trade; however, Islam did have a high opinion of merchants but came to agree with Christians that merchants were not respectable. Between 70 CE and 1500 CE, Christians and Muslims changed in their opinion of merchants, but stayed the same in their view of equitable transactions between people. Matthew, in the New Testament, records Jesus commenting on how hard it is for rich people to have their hearts in the right place, but he doesnt condemn the people for having money [D1]. Christians didnt specifically revile merchants specifically at this point in 70 CE. The honest, truthful Muslim merchant was praised for his reputable work, even being compared to martyrs in the Quran [D2]. As time went on, educated Christian and Muslim scholars began to voice why they both believedShow MoreRe latedAp World Dbq: Attitudes of Christianity and Islam Toward Merchants609 Words   |  3 Pages16, 2010 AP World DBQ From the onset of the Christian and Islamic religions, until about 1500, the two religions began with two different opinions of merchants, but grew together as time went on. As the two religions reached the 1500’s, their view of merchants became almost identical. In the beginning of each religion, Christianity and Islam had very different views on merchants and traders. In the New Testament of the Bible, hatred is shown towards wealth