The Expansion of Islam Between 630-750 CE, Muslim civilizations spread rapidly throughout the Middle East. These expansions were made through a combination of either military conquest or coercion, and were often done because of material gain. Under Muslim rule, occupied people were often granted respect and freedom. Muslim civilizations gained most of their territory through a combination of conquest and coercion. Tribes opposing the Muslims were given a choice between being subjugated or war with the Muslims, as described in Documents 1 and 2. The tribal leaders were usually coerced into surrendering, which meant the forced acceptance of Islam and giving up their land. If the tribes choose to fight, the Muslims generally conquered
