Islam and Christianity have a lot of history to share dating back to some years before the birth of Jesus. Although the members did not interact freely, the current 'animosity' characterizing the two religions was unheard of. In fact, they appeared to be focused much in solving their individual problems which unique but almost similar. This study shows that the two religions were affected by problems related to political succession leading to the cooperation instead of conflict. How did the problem of political succession affect Islamic and Christian societies in the Middle Ages?

The problems of political succession affected Islamic and Christian societies in a number of ways. First, political succession affected Islamic societies by causing an expansion of Islam from the Middle East in other parts of the world. In this regard, a series of events that took place in the Middle East affected the spread of Islam. This begins with the death of Prophet Mohammad in 632. His death led to a succession crisis at the time that led to the spread of Islam in the Middle East. After his death, the succession challenge made the Mohammad tribes that had shortly joined his camp to break away leading to the spread of Islam.

In addition, the succession crisis was followed by subsequent punitive expeditions and dramatic conquests. They include the Ridda Wars that were characterized by dramatic conquests. They later spread into the Byzantine and Sassanian lands leading increased Muslim followers in these lands and beyond. These events also involved the spread and high activity of the Muslim Arabs who had taken charge...

They started taking active roles in spreading Islam in the Middle East, North Africa, and other parts of the world.
In addition, the succession challenge also affected the Christian community, especially through the Islamic conquests that came out of the succession problems. For instance, the resounding defeat of Byzantine forces during the Yarmuk (636) necessitated by the succession challenges led to making other areas like Syria and Palestine, which were Christian to be open to Islam. These regions were conquered affected many Christians at the time. In 638, Antioch and Jerusalem were already taken opening room for the Islamic armies to begin undertaking westward and eastward offensives.

What was the primary factor that facilitated Christian and Muslim cooperation instead of conflict in the Middle Ages?

Christians and Muslims cooperated in the Middle Ages because their holy books gave almost similar teachings about relating fairly to people of other faiths. The Quran has stipulated on the way Islam should treat the people of other faiths. For instance, in (2:62 and 5:69); the Quran stipulates the promise that "Jews and Christians who have faith, trust in God and the Last Day, and do what is righteous shall have their reward." In other word, diverse religious communities are captured in God's plan. In fact, the Quran asserts that humankind will ultimately be one community. This led the Islam at the time to embrace diversity since diversity is a test for the people of faith.

In addition, the Muslims of the middle age revered Quran,…