Meaning: Carroll Quigley, a prominent historian and writer, made this statement about Islam in his work "The Evolution of Civilizations." In this quote, Quigley discusses the historical significance of Islam as a monotheistic religion in the Near East and its impact on the Arab society. To fully understand and appreciate this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical context of the region and the development of Islam as a major world religion.

Islam is the third in the historical sequence of the ethical monotheistic religions of the Near East, following Judaism and Christianity. It emerged in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The core principle of Islam is the belief in one God, Allah, and the adherence to the ethical and moral teachings outlined in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. This emphasis on monotheism and ethical principles aligns with the broader tradition of ethical monotheism in the Near East, which Quigley references in his quote.

Quigley's assertion that Islam was "very successful in establishing its monotheism" reflects the profound impact of the religion on the Arabian society at the time of its inception. The monotheistic nature of Islam provided a cohesive and unifying belief system for the diverse tribes and communities in the region. The establishment of monotheism through the proclamation of the oneness of God and the rejection of polytheistic beliefs was a significant achievement that set Islam apart in the religious landscape of the Near East.

However, Quigley also notes that Islam had "only very moderate success in spreading its version of Jewish and Christian ethics to the Arabs." This observation alludes to the complex cultural and societal dynamics within the Arabian Peninsula during the early years of Islam. While the monotheistic aspect of Islam was embraced and established, the adoption of specific ethical and moral teachings from Judaism and Christianity was met with varying degrees of reception and integration.

The historical context of the Arabian society, characterized by tribal divisions, diverse religious practices, and socio-economic complexities, influenced the reception of Islamic ethics among the Arab population. The ethical and moral principles espoused in Judaism and Christianity, which were foundational to the development of Islam, faced challenges in achieving widespread acceptance and implementation in the Arab cultural and social milieu.

Quigley's assessment invites consideration of the intricate process of religious and ethical diffusion within the context of cultural and historical dynamics. While Islam succeeded in establishing its monotheistic foundation, the assimilation and dissemination of specific ethical teachings from its predecessors faced obstacles and limitations in the Arab world.

In conclusion, Carroll Quigley's quote encapsulates the nuanced historical trajectory of Islam as a monotheistic religion in the Near East. It highlights the success of Islam in establishing its monotheistic tenets while acknowledging the complexities surrounding the transmission of Jewish and Christian ethics within the Arab society. Understanding the historical context and dynamics of Islam's development is essential for comprehending the significance of Quigley's observation and its broader implications for the evolution of ethical monotheistic religions in the Near East.