When did Islam transition from an Arab-only religion to a proselytizing one?

The transition of Islam from a predominantly Arab religion to a proselytizing or missionary religion began during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad and continued in the years following his death. Several key factors contributed to this transition:

Prophet Muhammad's Mission: From the outset of his prophethood, Muhammad preached a message intended for all of humanity, not just the Arab tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. He invited people of different backgrounds and cultures to embrace Islam and submit to the worship of one God (Allah). The Qur'an contains numerous verses addressing all of humanity, emphasizing the universal nature of Islam.

Expansion of the Muslim Community: Following the initial revelations received by Muhammad in Mecca and the migration to Medina (known as the Hijra), the Muslim community (umma) expanded rapidly. Through a combination of military conquests, diplomatic alliances, and peaceful conversions, Islam spread beyond the Arabian Peninsula into neighboring regions such as the Levant, Egypt, Persia, and North Africa.

Religious Tolerance and Coexistence: In many cases, the early Muslim rulers demonstrated tolerance toward non-Muslim communities, allowing them to practice their religions within the newly conquered territories. This policy of religious pluralism often facilitated peaceful coexistence and encouraged non-Muslims to convert to Islam voluntarily.

Missionary Activities: The early Muslim community engaged in missionary activities to spread the message of Islam to new regions and populations. Muslim merchants, scholars, and travelers played key roles in disseminating Islamic teachings and inviting others to embrace Islam.

State Sponsorship of Islam: As Muslim empires and dynasties emerged, such as the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, Islam became the dominant religion of state. State sponsorship and patronage of Islam, along with the establishment of mosques, madrasas, and religious institutions, helped facilitate the spread of Islam and the integration of new converts into the Muslim community.

Overall, the transition of Islam from an Arab-only religion to a proselytizing one occurred gradually over several centuries, propelled by a combination of religious teachings, political factors, and socio-cultural interactions. This process led to the global spread of Islam and the emergence of diverse Muslim communities across different continents and cultures.