In all cultures throughout history, different belief groups have come into contact with each other. As for early Muslims, military expansion and travel were key elements in the spread of the Islamic religion to foreign lands. However, not all trade was hostile or based entirely on the conquest of exotic lands. Some interactions were based solely on capturing land to control, while allowing non-converters to remain in the area while the army continued to gain new territory. The primary sources, The Viking Rus, Peace Terms with Jerusalem, and The Pact to Be Accorded to Non-Muslim Subjects, provide insight into how Muslims interacted with other religious groups. Early Muslims saw the expansion of Islam through conquest, travel, and trade with foreign cultures and beliefs, while having unusual exchanges with each religion. The primary source, The Viking Rus, offers a unique perspective on how early Muslims viewed the Vikings. The author, Ibn Fadlan, was sent to interact with the Muslim king of the Bulgarians in an attempt to develop an alliance. Through Fadlan, the reader discovers how the first Muslims would have perceived the habits of the Vikings. As Fadlan writes, “he goes to each statue in turn, invokes it, implores its intercession and bows humbly before it. »1 Watching this spiritual ritual seems insane to Islamic believers who are taught not to worship statues or images of Allah. As Fadlan watches the Vikings converse, exchange and perform ceremonies, he develops a prejudice against their behavior. He watches the ceremony with condescending eyes, but the interpreter informs Fadlan that the Vikings view Muslims the same way. "I asked the interpreter what the man from the North had said and I received this answer: 'You Arabs... must be... middle of paper... always treated as same way as Muslims when it comes to how the government treated the vandals. and thieves. By understanding the needs of defeated Christians, Muslims were able to obtain tribute from Christians and avoid possible uprisings during the empire's military expansions. In conclusion, early Muslims had countless connections with multiple religions as beneficial partners in trade, travel, and conquest. By analyzing each primary source, the benefits of having a relationship with different religions emerge. Whether Muslims interacted with Vikings, Jews, or Christians, establishing friendly relations allowed early Muslims to continue to build stronger military forces, acquire material goods, and avoid attack by enemies . Each source gives a different insight into how early Muslims thought about and treated the religious groups they encountered..