The History of Islam
Islam has a rich and profound history, originating in the 7th century and evolving into one of the world’s largest religions. It is important for Muslims to understand this history, as it deeply shapes their faith and practices. Here’s an overview of Islam’s beginnings, the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and its subsequent spread across the globe.
When Was Islam Founded?
Islam traces its origins to 610 A.D., when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) first encountered the Angel Jibril (Gabriel). This moment marked the beginning of a divine revelation in which Allah (SWT) communicated His teachings to Muhammad (PBUH), and the foundation for the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, was laid.
Origin and rise of Islam
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Birth of Prophet Muhammad | 570 CE | Born in Mecca, Arabia, to the Quraysh tribe. |
| First Revelation | 610 CE | Muhammad (PBUH) receives the first revelation from Angel Jibril in the Cave of Hira. |
| Preaching in Mecca | 610–622 CE | Muhammad (PBUH) preaches Islam, faces opposition and persecution in Mecca. |
| The Hijra (Migration) | 622 CE | Muhammad (PBUH) and followers migrate to Medina, marking the start of the Islamic calendar. |
| Return to Mecca | 630 CE | Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers peacefully conquer Mecca. The Ka’bah is rededicated to Allah. |
| Death of Prophet Muhammad | 632 CE | Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passes away, leaving behind a growing Muslim community. |
| The Five Pillars of Islam | Ongoing (established during Muhammad’s life) | Core practices of Islam: Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. |
| Legacy of Islam | Post-632 CE | Islam spreads across the Middle East and beyond, becoming the second-largest religion in the world. |
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Muhammad (PBUH) was born in 570 A.D. in Mecca, Arabia, to Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Amina bint Wahb. He is considered the last of 25 prophets chosen by Allah (SWT) to spread His message, which is known as the final revelation. Muhammad (PBUH) had 13 wives, two of whom bore him children.
In 610 A.D., Muhammad (PBUH) and his wife Khadija, a wealthy and influential widow, lived in Mecca, a prosperous city dominated by the Quraysh tribe. The city, a hub for trade routes between Arabia, Syria, and Yemen, was also a center for polytheism, with numerous gods believed to protect the successful trade economy.
During this period, Muhammad (PBUH) would frequently retreat to the Cave of Hira in Mount Jabal al-Noor to meditate. One night, during his meditation, the Angel Jibril visited him and revealed to him the message that there is only one God, Allah (SWT). Though Muhammad (PBUH) was illiterate, he was able to recite the words conveyed to him by the angel, which were later compiled into the Qur’an.
This momentous event is commemorated as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), believed to occur on the 27th night of Ramadan, though some scholars argue it could be on any of the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of the month.
Early Challenges and the Hegira (Migration)
As Muhammad (PBUH) began preaching Islam, many in Mecca opposed him, fearing that his teachings would undermine the city’s polytheistic beliefs and threaten their prosperity. Despite the initial resistance, Muhammad (PBUH) continued his mission, and gradually, he attracted a small following. However, after the death of his wife Khadija and his uncle, Abu Talib, in 619 A.D. (the Year of Sorrow), he faced increased persecution.
To escape the growing hostility, Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers were forced to emigrate to Medina in 622 A.D. This event is known as the Hijra, and it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad (PBUH) was invited by local leaders to mediate between rival factions, and he was granted the freedom to practice Islam openly.
Return to Mecca
In 628 A.D., Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers journeyed back to Mecca. The Quraysh tribe initially opposed them but eventually agreed to a peace treaty called Hudaybiyyah, recognizing Islam as a legitimate faith. This treaty marked a turning point in the spread of Islam, as it granted Muslims the right to practice their faith without persecution.
The Core Practices of Islam
The teachings Muhammad (PBUH) received from Allah (SWT) formed the foundation of Islam. These teachings are encapsulated in the Five Pillars of Islam, which are essential practices that define the faith:
- Shahada – The declaration of faith, stating that there is no god but Allah (SWT), and Muhammad (PBUH) is His final messenger.
- Salat – The act of praying five times a day to establish a connection with Allah (SWT).
- Zakat – Giving charity to those in need, ensuring the welfare of the community.
- Sawm – Fasting during the month of Ramadan as a means of self-discipline and spiritual reflection.
- Hajj – The pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime, if they are physically and financially able.
Islam After Prophet Muhammad’s Death
Following Muhammad’s (PBUH) death in 632 A.D., Islam continued to spread under the leadership of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, the first four successors to Muhammad (PBUH). The Islamic empire expanded rapidly, conquering vast regions across the Middle East, North Africa, and into Europe and Asia. The teachings of Islam were carried far and wide, establishing a global community of Muslims.
Islam Today
Islam has since become one of the largest religions in the world, with millions of followers across the globe. The religion continues to be a powerful force in shaping cultural, social, and political landscapes in many countries. Despite the various sects and interpretations of Islam, all Muslims adhere to the Five Pillars and believe in the core teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the other prophets.
How Muslim Religion Started
Here’s a brief overview of how Islam began:
- The Birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- Born in 570 CE in Mecca, Arabia, to the Quraysh tribe.
- Known for his honesty, he worked as a merchant.
- The First Revelation (610 CE)
- At age 40, while meditating in the Cave of Hira, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation from the angel Jibril (Gabriel).
- The message called for the worship of one God, Allah.
- Spread of Islam in Mecca
- Muhammad (PBUH) began preaching Islam, emphasizing social justice and monotheism.
- Faced opposition and persecution from Meccan leaders who feared a loss of power and influence.
- The Hijra (622 CE)
- Due to persecution, Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.
- In Medina, he established the first Islamic community.
- Return to Mecca and the Spread of Islam
- In 630 CE, Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers peacefully returned to Mecca and reclaimed the city.
- The Ka’bah was cleansed and rededicated to Allah.
- The Death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- Muhammad (PBUH) passed away in 632 CE, but by then Islam had become a powerful religion with a large following.
- The Core Practices of Islam
- The Five Pillars of Islam were established, which are the core acts of worship:
- Shahada: Declaration of faith in Allah and Muhammad (PBUH).
- Salat: Performing five daily prayers.
- Zakat: Giving charity to the needy.
- Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan.
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca (once in a lifetime if possible).
- The Five Pillars of Islam were established, which are the core acts of worship:
- The Legacy of Islam
- After Muhammad’s (PBUH) death, Islam expanded rapidly across the Middle East and beyond, shaping the history, culture, and society of many regions.
- Today, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world with over 1.9 billion followers.
The Birth of Islam
Suzan Yalman
Department of Education, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Based on original work by Linda Komaroff
October 2001
Muhammad, born in Mecca around 570 C.E., is regarded by Muslims as the last in the line of Judeo-Christian prophets. At the age of 40, he received his first revelation from the archangel Gabriel in 610 C.E. Muslims believe that the message was transmitted in Arabic and that the angel instructed him to “Recite in the name of thy Lord…” (Sura 96). These divine revelations were later compiled into the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. The Qur’an outlines the relationship between God and his creations and provides guidance for personal conduct, establishing principles for a just society.
At the time of Muhammad’s birth, Mecca was a wealthy city centered around the caravan trade and the Ka‘ba, a shrine housing various pagan deities. Muhammad’s message of monotheism and submission to one God (Allah) was met with opposition from Meccan leaders, who felt threatened by his call for a socio-religious reform. As a result, Muhammad and his followers were forced to emigrate in 622 C.E. to the oasis town of Yathrib, later renamed Medina. This event, known as the Hijra or “emigration,” marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, Muhammad continued his mission, attracting more followers. Within a few years, Islam spread to Mecca, and upon his return, Muhammad cleansed the Ka‘ba of its idols, dedicating it to the worship of Allah alone.
Following Muhammad’s death in 632 C.E., his followers, under the leadership of four caliphs (known as the Rightly Guided), spread the message of Islam. Arab armies carried the faith across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, conquering parts of the Byzantine Empire, including Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, as well as the Sasanian Empire’s territories in Iraq and Iran. Through these conquests, Islam became the foundation for the creation of a vast political, religious, and cultural empire.
Islamic Art and Architecture
Although the distinctive Islamic artistic language took centuries to fully form, its roots were laid during the Prophet’s time. As the Qur’an is transmitted primarily through writing, the Arabic script was first transformed into a form of calligraphy suitable for divine revelation. This calligraphy soon became a significant feature of Islamic art and ornamentation.
In architecture, Muhammad’s house in Medina evolved into the first mosque, serving as the prototype for subsequent mosques. The early mosque structure, known as the hypostyle mosque, included a columned hall oriented toward Mecca and an adjacent courtyard surrounded by a colonnade. The call to prayer, initially given from a rooftop, eventually led to the creation of the minaret. The mosque also featured a minbar (pulpit) for the Friday sermon and a mihrab (prayer niche) indicating the direction of Mecca.
Citation:
Yalman, Suzan. Based on original work by Linda Komaroff. “The Birth of Islam.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (October 2001).
Further Reading:
- Grabar, Oleg. The Formation of Islamic Art. Rev. and enl. ed. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1987.
- Hodgson, Marshall G. S. The Venture of Islam. 3 vols. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1974.
This text provides a foundational understanding of the early history of Islam, its spread, and the development of its unique cultural and artistic traditions.
Timeline of Islam
570 C.E.
- Birth of Muhammad: Muhammad is born in Mecca to a noble family and is known for his honesty and upright character.
610 C.E.
- First Revelation: At the age of 40, Muhammad receives his first revelation from the angel Gabriel in a cave near Mecca. He is informed that he is God’s prophet and begins to preach the message of monotheism, facing persecution.
622 C.E.
- Hijrah (Migration): Facing persecution in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrate to Medina (then Yathrib), where they establish the first Islamic state. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
630 C.E.
- Return to Mecca: Muhammad returns to Mecca with a large number of followers, peacefully conquering the city. He purifies the Kaaba and rededicates it to the worship of Allah.
633 C.E.
- Death of Muhammad: Muhammad dies, and Abu Bakr, his father-in-law, is elected as the first caliph, or successor.
638 C.E.
- Conquests in the Levant: Muslims enter the region known as Sham, including Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq.
641 C.E.
- Conquest of Egypt: Muslims conquer Egypt and defeat the Byzantine army.
655 C.E.
- Spread in North Africa: Islam begins to spread across North Africa.
661 C.E.
- End of the Righteous Caliphs: The assassination of Imam Ali marks the end of the rule of the “righteous caliphs” and the start of the Umayyad dynasty.
711 C.E.
- Conquests in Spain and India: Muslims enter Spain in the west and India in the east, spreading Islam across the Iberian Peninsula.
732 C.E.
- Battle of Poitiers: Muslims are defeated by Charles Martel in France, halting further expansion into Europe.
750 C.E.
- Abbasid Dynasty: The Abbasid dynasty takes control from the Umayyads and moves the capital to Baghdad.
1000 C.E.
- Spread in Africa: Islam spreads through Africa, including regions like Nigeria, influenced by trade.
1099 C.E.
- Crusaders Capture Jerusalem: European Crusaders capture Jerusalem, but Muslims eventually defeat them and regain the city.
1120 C.E.
- Islam in Asia: Islam spreads through Asia as traders and missionaries influence regions like Malaysia.
1299 C.E.
- Ottoman Empire: The first Ottoman state is established in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey).
1453 C.E.
- Conquest of Constantinople: The Ottomans conquer Constantinople, renaming it Istanbul, marking the fall of the Byzantine Empire.
Circa 1800 C.E.
- Muslim Slaves in America: About 30% of enslaved Africans brought to the U.S. were Muslim.
1870-1924 C.E.
- Muslim Immigration to the U.S.: Muslim immigrants from the Arab world come to the United States until the Asian Exclusion Act of 1924.
1918 C.E.
- End of Ottoman Empire: World War I leads to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, and many Muslim-majority regions are colonized by European powers.
1930 C.E.
- Nation of Islam: W. D. Fard creates the Nation of Islam in the U.S., blending Islamic teachings with African-American identity.
1948 C.E.
- Creation of Israel: The state of Israel is established, causing displacement among Palestinians and Lebanese, some of whom migrate to the U.S.
1952 C.E.
- McCarren-Walter Act: The U.S. relaxes immigration restrictions, leading to an increase in Muslim students arriving in the U.S.
1965 C.E.
- Immigration Revisions: U.S. immigration laws are revised, further increasing Muslim immigration.
1975 C.E.
- Mainstreaming Islam in America: Wallace D. Muhammad, after Elijah Muhammad’s death, brings most of the Nation of Islam followers into mainstream Islam, forming the Muslim American Society.
1979 C.E.
- Iranian Revolution: The Islamic Republic of Iran is established, marking the first modern Islamic state in history.
Conclusion
Since its beginning in 610 A.D., Islam has grown into a diverse and influential religion. Today, it remains a guiding force for millions, offering spiritual guidance and practical wisdom to Muslims around the world. Understanding the history of Islam helps to appreciate the profound impact it has had on civilization and continues to have in the modern world.