The history of Islam - by Rahima Suleiman

The History of Islam 1. Origins of Islam (6th–7th Century CE) Islam began in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, in the city of Mecca (modern-day Saudi Arabia). The religion was founded by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who Muslims believe was the final prophet sent by God (Allah in Arabic). 610 CE: At the age of 40, Muhammad received his first revelation from Allah through the Angel Gabriel while meditating in the Cave of Hira near Mecca. These revelations continued for 23 years and were later compiled into the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. His teachings emphasized monotheism (belief in one God), social justice, charity, and moral behavior. 2. The Early Muslim Community and the Hijrah Muhammad's message faced opposition in Mecca from powerful tribes. In 622 CE, he and his followers migrated to the city of Yathrib, later renamed Medina. This event is known as the Hijrah (Migration) and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad established the first Islamic state, uniting tribes under Islamic principles. 3. The Expansion of Islam By the time of Muhammad's death in 632 CE, most of the Arabian Peninsula had accepted Islam. After him, leadership passed to a series of Caliphs (successors), beginning with Abu Bakr, then Umar, Uthman, and Ali—collectively known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs. 4. Islamic Caliphates and Empires Islam rapidly expanded under the Caliphates: Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE): Capital in Damascus; spread Islam across North Africa, Spain, and Central Asia. Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 CE): Capital in Baghdad; ushered in the Islamic Golden Age, a period of great achievements in science, medicine, mathematics, philosophy, and art. 5. The Islamic Golden Age Between the 8th and 13th centuries, Muslim scholars preserved and advanced knowledge from ancient Greece, Persia, and India. Notable figures include: Al-Khwarizmi (mathematics and algebra) Avicenna (Ibn Sina) (medicine and philosophy) Averroes (Ibn Rushd) (philosophy) Al-Razi (chemistry and medicine) 6. Spread Through Trade and Culture Islam spread not only by conquest but also through trade routes, especially across Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and China. Muslim merchants and scholars helped spread the faith peacefully through interaction, education, and example. 7. Islam in the Modern Era Today, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.9 billion followers. It is divided into major branches: Sunni Islam (about 85–90% of Muslims) Shia Islam (about 10–15%) Muslims are found across the globe, with large populations in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and growing communities in the West. --- Core Beliefs of Islam Belief in One God (Tawhid) Prophets (including Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad) Revealed Scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel, Qur'an) Angels Day of Judgment Divine Decree (Qadar) Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam: 1. Shahada – Declaration of faith 2. Salah – Prayer five times daily 3. Zakat – Giving to charity 4. Sawm – Fasting during Ramadan 5. Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca

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