History of Islam – How Did Islam Start?

Muhammad is the last Prophet and Messenger to have brought the teachings of Islam to humanity. Islam dates back to the time of Adam. Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and other people are examples of other prophets and messengers. In the history of Islam, the final Prophet, Muhammad, reiterated and emphasized the central tenets of Islam.

Muhammad instilled a strict belief in a single God and a set of religious rituals in a small group of people. This religion quickly spread from the Middle East to Africa, Europe, India, Southeast Asia, and China. Early in the twenty-first century, Islam was practiced by over 1.5 billion people globally. Muslims are bound together by their common faith and sense of community despite differences in interpretation.

This article covers Islam religion’s fundamental ideas and practices, the History of Islam, and how religion affects society in Islamic areas.

What Is The Meaning Of Islam?

The Arabic root “SALEMA,” which denotes purity, obedience, submission, and peace, is where Islam got its start. To put it simply, Islam is the acceptance of God’s will and obedience to it. Everything in the universe, except humans, demonstrates obedience and submission to God’s laws by nature.

Nonetheless, humans can submit to God’s will and follow His laws because they are intelligent and have free will. This is what it means to be a Muslim. Peace and harmony in one’s life are guaranteed by surrendering to God and abiding by His laws.

“Allah” means “God” in Arabic; more precisely, it means the One and Only Eternal God, the One who created the universe, the Almighty Being. Jews and Christians who speak Arabic also refer to the Almighty with this term.

The Dark Period of Ignorance

People started to turn away from true religion and worshiping idols made of different materials, known as the Dark Period of Ignorance. Even though these idols could neither hurt nor benefit anyone, they thought they could help them. In keeping with the traditions of their forefathers, they even went so far as to consume the idols.

In this era, women were mistreated and sometimes even buried alive simply for being born female. This practice was condemned by the Qur’an, which questioned the morality of killing innocent girls.

A tragic tale involves a father who, under the influence of social conventions, buried his daughter alive. This story moved Prophet Muhammad so much that he began to cry like he had lost a close relative.

People had become heartless and had done horrible acts of cruelty during this time. Weak people were ruled by the powerful, and innocent girls were buried alive. There was a great deal of violence and immorality, and family values were declining.

However, these evil customs were outlawed with the rise of Islam. The sanctity of life was emphasized in the Qur’an, and the killing of children for financial reasons was forbidden.

History Of Islam

With about 1.8 billion adherents, Islam is the second most popular religion in the world. Its adherents, like those of Judaism and Christianity, are monotheistic, believing in one God, Allah.

Islam, which dates to the 7th century, is regarded as the newest of the major religions despite having ancient roots.

It all started with the prophet Muhammad in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Islam is currently spreading quickly throughout the world, with the majority of its adherents being found in Indonesia, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Important occurrences in the history of Islam include the Hijra, Abu Bakr’s leadership, the creation of the Caliphate System, and the split between Sunnis and Shiites.

1. Muhammad

Muhammad, commonly called Mohammed or Mohammad, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 570 A.D. For Muslims, he represents the final prophet sent by God to spread their faith throughout the world.

Islamic tradition states that Muhammad was in a cave in 610 when he received his first revelation from the angel Gabriel. He felt that these epiphanies followed him all of his life.

Muhammad started sharing the messages he received around the year 613. He imparted to the Meccan populace the knowledge that Allah is the only God. He urged them to make worshiping Allah the center of their lives.

2. Hijra, Abu Bakr

In the History of Islam, the Islamic calendar began with Muhammad and his companions’ Hijra, or journey, from Mecca to Medina in 622. They returned to Mecca seven years later and seized power in the area. Muhammad kept preaching until his demise in 632.

After the death of Muhammad, Islam expanded rapidly. A caliphate, or system of government, was established by successors known as caliphs. Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s close friend and father-in-law, served as the first caliph.

After approximately two years, Abu Bakr passed away in 634, leaving Caliph Umar, another of Muhammad’s father-in-law, to lead the caliphate.

3. Caliphate System

Umar assumed control of the caliphate, or system of leadership, following the assassination of the previous caliph. Uthman, Muhammad’s son-in-law, took up the position after him. Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, succeeded Uthman as caliph.

The Arab Muslims conquered large swaths of the Middle East, including Syria, Palestine, Iran, and Iraq, during the reigns of the first four caliphs. Additionally, Islam extended to regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe.

After enduring for centuries, the caliphate system gave way to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled over a sizable portion of the Middle East until the end of World War I in 1917.

4. Sunnis and Shiites

There was a rift in Islam after disagreements over Muhammad’s successor surfaced. The Sunnis and Shiites are the two main sects that emerged from this.

Approximately 90% of Muslims globally are Sunnis, who acknowledge Muhammad’s first four caliphs as the rightful heirs.

According to Shiite Muslims, the only legitimate heirs are Ali and his offspring. They deny the legitimacy of the first three caliphs. Shiite Muslims now make up sizable portions of the populations of Iran, Iraq, and Syria.

Timeline Of Islam

The History of Islam begins in 610 when the prophet Muhammad received his first revelation at age 40. He begins evangelizing the Arabian Peninsula with his adherents, introducing the teachings of Islam.

After Muhammad’s death, there are military campaigns, known as “openings,” into places like Egypt and North Africa. Elsewhere, Islam spreads through trade. Below is a simple timeline of key events in Islam’s growth and spread to different countries.

570 C.E.: Muhammad was born in Mecca into a respected family known for honesty.
610 C.E.: At 40, Muhammad received revelations from the angel Gabriel in a cave near Mecca, proclaiming him a prophet of God. Despite hostility from his people, he preaches the worship of one God.
622 C.E.: Facing persecution, Muhammad and his followers migrate to Medina, marking the “hijrah” or emigration, and establishing an Islamic state.
630 C.E.: Muhammad peacefully enters Mecca with many followers who embrace Islam. He purifies the Kaaba from idols, dedicating it to God alone.
633 C.E.: After Muhammad’s death, his father-in-law, Abu Bakr, becomes caliph, leading the Muslim community.
638 C.E.: Muslims expand into Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq.
641 C.E.: Egypt is conquered, seen by Muslims as liberation from oppressive rule.
655 C.E.: Islam spreads in North Africa.
661 C.E.: The rule of the four “righteous caliphs” ends, and the Umayyad dynasty begins.
711 C.E.: Muslims enter Spain and India.
732 C.E.: Muslims are defeated in France.
750 C.E.: The Abbasids replaced the Umayyads and established Baghdad as the power center.
1000 C.E.: Islam spreads in Africa, including Nigeria.
1099 C.E.: Crusaders take Jerusalem, later regained by Muslims.
1120 C.E.: Islam spreads in Asia, with Malaysian traders learning about Islam.
1299 C.E.: The Ottoman Empire begins in Turkey.
1453 C.E.: Constantinople falls to the Ottomans.
1800s C.E.: Many enslaved Africans in the U.S. are Muslim.
1870-1924 C.E.: Arab immigrants arrive in the U.S.
1930 C.E.: The Nation of Islam was founded in the U.S.
1948 C.E.: Israel is created, leading to Palestinian and Lebanese migration.
1952 C.E.: Immigration laws ease, allowing more Muslim students to come to the U.S.
1965 C.E.: Further immigration revisions welcome more Muslims.
1975 C.E.: Wallace D. Muhammad leads Nation of Islam followers to mainstream Islam.
1979 C.E.: The Iranian Revolution establishes the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Sects Of Islam

Various other Muslim denominations exist within Sunni and Shiite branches:

1. Wahhabi

A strict Sunni sect originating from Saudi Arabia, emphasizing a literal interpretation of Islam.

2. Alawite

A Shiite group found mainly in Syria, incorporating some Christian and Zoroastrian customs.

3. Nation of Islam

A predominantly Black Sunni sect founded in the 1930s in Detroit, Michigan, with a notable presence in the United States.

4. Sufism

A mystical branch of Islam focused on spiritual growth and a personal connection with God.

5. Kharijites (now known as Ibadis)

A sect diverges from Shiites over leadership selection, known for their conservative beliefs.

FAQs

What was the Dark Period of Ignorance in Islamic history?

People started to worship idols during the Dark Period of Ignorance, departing from the true religion. It was characterized by social mores like the cruel treatment of women, which included the heinous practice of burying young girls alive

Who was Muhammad, and what role did he play in Islam’s history?

Muhammad is the last Prophet of Islam. He was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 570 A.D. He was given revelations by the angel Gabriel, who encouraged him to preach monotheism and encourage people to commit their entire lives to worship Allah

What is the significance of the Hijra in Islamic history?

The Hijra, which also marks the start of the Islamic calendar, commemorates Muhammad and his companions’ migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 A.D. It was a turning point that made it possible for Islam to grow and become a powerful religious and political force.

What are the major sects within Islam?

Sunni and Shiite are the two main sects; their main points of contention are over who will lead each group after Muhammad passes away. Wahhabi, Alawite, Nation of Islam, Sufism, and Kharijites are some other denominations.

Conclusion

With more than 1.8 billion followers worldwide, Islam is still one of the main world religions despite internal conflicts and outside influences. Its influence goes beyond religious customs, influencing many different regions’ political, social, and cultural environments.

To promote understanding, communication, and collaboration between individuals of various backgrounds and faiths, it is essential to grasp the core principles of Islam as well as its history and various interpretations.