Commercial activity (merchants and immigrants to India) in the book History of Islam by Al-Dhahabi (d. 748 AH/ 1348 AD)

Abstract

Commercial activity is one of the pillars of economic life in countries, through which the strength and weakness of those countries in the face of crises of all kinds are revealed. Commercial activity is not limited to traders inside the country, but expatriate traders have had an important role in the development of commercial activity in all its details.

India is one of the most important countries that Al-Dhahabi discussed in his book, *History of Islam*. He highlighted many aspects, especially the commercial aspect, and presented valuable and important information in his writings about the role of merchants coming to India in the field of commercial activity. The research presented important topics related to the research title, the foremost of which are, The research mentions merchants in biographies and biographies, including: scholarly merchants (those who combined trade with seeking knowledge or teaching), and ascetic merchants (who were known for their asceticism and piety). The research also presents the economic and social role of incoming merchants, their religious and moral stances, despite the lack of organization or classification in mentioning many of those merchants. It also clarifies the image of the trustworthy merchant as a source of information. Finally, the research presents the impact of modernists and incoming merchants on India during the Golden Age