The Merchants and their Logistical Role in the Islamic State(The Rashidun Era as a case study)

Abstract

This research examines the logistical role of merchants in spreading the Islamic call during the Rightly Guided Caliphate period (11-40 AH / 632-661 AD). Trade was a noble profession practiced by prophets and kings, gaining significant prominence in Islam as evidenced in the Holy Quran and Prophetic Sunnah. The study aims to clarify the concepts of merchant, trade, and logistics, while reviewing commercial activities during the Caliphs' era, focusing on merchants' role in spreading Islam through their trade journeys.The research is divided into three sections: the first discusses linguistic and terminological concepts of merchant, trade, and logistics; the second reviews the Rightly Guided Caliphate, its relationship with prophethood and Imamate, and merchants' role in Islamic conquests; the third examines internal and external trade centers, exports, and imports of goods. The research concludes that merchants played a pivotal role in peacefully spreading Islam, transmitting Islamic principles and ethical business conduct to the regions they visited. The Rightly Guided Caliphs encouraged and regulated trade due to its significant impact on supporting conquests and developing the Islamic economy.