What groups were in conflict with the south

Assuming you're referring to the American South, the two most prominent groups against the South were the abolitionists (since slavery was far more prominent in the South than in the North) and the Union Army during the Civil WAr. 

The faith of Islam spread after the death of the Prophet Mohammad. And, it was largely due to three factors. The ease of conversion, the political consolidation of the Islamic state and the remarkable military effectiveness of the Islamic armies. In short, the three reasons were: trade, missionaries, and military conquest.

The Islamic Empire's great efforts and developments in trade proved to be a crucial benefit to the Muslims. Trade was the backbone of economies of empires in Middle East-Central Asia for centuries until sea routes were established. 

Good luck :)