According to Toynbee, Islamic civilization is categorized in the Judaeo-Christian tradition. This civilization has developed far from the place of its birth. First headed to Southern Europe and switched to India, China and Indonesia or often known as Eastern civilization. Regarding art, initially Islam did not need it at all, but because of the demands of the situation and conditions, Muslims created various works of art to express a religious view of life. In the place where this religion was born, Islamic art is useful as a fence for expression because it prevents the influence of non-religious art, such as that of non-Muslims. It is different with Western or Christian art, where art is all works involving ideas in a harmonious form of beauty. In the Bible it is stated that everything in Christ is a new creation because the old has been forgotten. On the other hand, Islamic art does not have a basic source of holy books from the Qur'an or hadith but has a very Islamic character. The nascent Islam did not know art. Arab traders and caravan leaders had contacts with the Byzantine and Persian civilizations. Their interest in weapons, knick-knacks, and fabrics that make them look like aliens is fascinating and one of the most artistic works they can admire on their journey.