quest both would successfully expose people to their religious views, convert those people, and gain them as followers. Despite the success each had, that which each had to do to gain these followers differed in some respects, but was similar in others. Muhammad would simply let the Quran have its effect. He would tolerate other religions, but through war and treaties brought everyone under his control and forced them to acknowledge his prophethood. The calm and serene Buddha simply exposed people to his dhamma, and they were sold. He occasionally performed miracles to exemplify his power, but very rarely. With regard to other religions, Muhammad would have respect for the religions of the book, and tolerated them and all other religions, as long as non-Muslims acknowledged his prophethood and paid taxes for Muhammads protection. The Buddha would rarely address religions specifically, other than the aforementioned critique of the Vedic faith. The Buddha did refer to the gods; he would not ostracize those who worshipped them, just simply said that they were unnecessary to achieve enlightenment. But, in general, people listened to what the Buddha had to say so no dramatic measures were necessary. Both Muhammad and the Buddha made adjustments in previous statements that they had made. Muhammad made them for religious and political purposes, but the Buddha seemed only inspired by religious beliefs. Both were successful in spreading their messages throughout their lives, but a true leader must make adequate preparations for the continuance of his work after he dies. Here, once again, Muhammad and the Buddha were similar, yet different.Although Muhammad had bequeathed a religion on his people and had brilliantly conquered and ruled over the Arabian Peninsula, he left no political mechanism in place for either political or religious succession. It was unclear who would succeed him to keep the alliances he formed together and keep...
