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 components in spreading the Islamic religion to foreign nations. However, not all exchanges were hostile or entirely based on the conquest of exotic lands. Some interactions were based solely on capturing lands to control, while allowing unconverted people to remain in the area while the army continued to conquer new territory. The primary sources, Viking Rus, The Peace Terms with Jerusalem, and The Covenant to be Granted to Non-Muslim Subjects, provide information on how Muslims interacted with other religious groups. Early Muslims saw the expansion of Islam through conquest, travel, and trade with foreign cultures and beliefs, all while having unusual exchanges with each faith. The primary source, The Viking Rus, provides 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 to attempt to develop an alliance. Through Fadlan, the reader sees how early Muslims would have viewed the customs of the Vikings. As Fadlan writes, “he approaches each statue in turn, calls upon it, implores its intercession, and bows humbly before it.”1 Observing this spiritual ritual appears foolish to Islamic believers who are taught not to worship statues or images of Allah. As Fadlan observes the Vikings conversing, trading, and performing ceremonies, he develops a prejudice against their ways. He looks down on the ceremony with condescending eyes, however, the interpreter informs Fadlan that the Vikings view Muslims the same way. "I asked the interpreter what the Norman had said and I received this response: 'You Arabs... must be... middle of paper... still treated the same as Muslims compared to the way the government has handled the vandals". and thieves. Understanding the needs of the defeated Christians, Muslims were able to pay homage to the Christians and avoid possible revolts during the empire's military expansions. In conclusion, early Muslims had numerous connections with different religions as advantageous partners for trade, travel, and conquest. By analyzing each primary source, the advantages of having a relationship with different religions come to light. Whether Muslims interacted with Vikings, Jews, or Christians, establishing a friendly relationship allowed early Muslims to continue to build stronger military forces, acquire material goods, and avoid being attacked by enemies. Each source provides different information about how early Muslims thought about and treated the religious groups they encountered.