How Old Is Islam and Christianity? 7 Powerful Facts on Their True Age
How old is Islam and Christianity? In short, Christianity began around 30 CE, so it is roughly 1,996 years old in 2026. Islam, in its historical form, began in 610 CE with the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), so it is about 1,416 years old. That makes Christianity older by around 580 years.
However, the full answer has a second layer. Muslims believe Islam is the original message of every prophet, from Adam to Muhammad. This guide explains both views clearly, with dates, a timeline, and sources you can check.
How Old Is Islam and Christianity: The Quick Answer
If you ask which religion is older, Islam or Christianity, the historical answer is Christianity. Here are the key numbers for 2026.
| Religion | Starting point | Approx. age in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity | c. 30 to 33 CE (ministry, crucifixion and Pentecost) | About 1,990 to 1,996 years |
| Islam | 610 CE (first revelation); 622 CE (Hijrah, start of the Islamic calendar) | About 1,416 years (1448 AH in the Hijri calendar) |
| Gap | Roughly 575 to 580 years between the two beginnings | |
These figures are approximate, because historians date the life of Jesus with a small margin. Still, the gap of nearly six centuries is widely accepted.
How Old Is Christianity? When Was Christianity Founded?
The origin of Christianity
Christianity grew from the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth, who lived in first century Judea. Most scholars place his public ministry around 27 to 30 CE and his crucifixion around 30 to 33 CE. The movement spread after his followers began preaching, an event Christians call Pentecost.
When did Christianity begin as an organized religion?
The early church was a small Jewish sect at first. It became a separate religion over the following decades through the missionary work of Paul and others. In 313 CE the Edict of Milan gave Christians legal freedom in the Roman Empire, and the Council of Nicaea followed in 325 CE. If you want a neutral overview, see Encyclopaedia Britannica on Christianity.
How Old Is Islam? When Was Islam Founded?
When did Islam begin in history?
Historically, Islam began in Mecca in 610 CE. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), then about 40 years old, received the first revelation in the cave of Hira. He was born around 570 CE and passed away in 632 CE. The revelation of the Quran continued for about 23 years.
The Hijrah and the Islamic calendar
In 622 CE, the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina. This event, the Hijrah, marks Year 1 of the Islamic calendar. That is why 2026 CE corresponds to roughly 1448 AH. By the time the Prophet passed away in 632 CE, Islam was established across the Arabian Peninsula. For a scholarly summary, read World History Encyclopedia on Islam.
You can explore the Prophet’s life further in our guide on the life of Prophet Muhammad.
Islam and Christianity Timeline: Key Dates Side by Side
A clear Islam and Christianity timeline helps answer how many years between Christianity and Islam. Use this list as a quick reference.
| Year (CE) | Event | Religion |
|---|---|---|
| c. 4 BCE to 30 CE | Birth, ministry and mission of Jesus | Christianity |
| c. 30 to 33 | Crucifixion in Christian belief; Pentecost | Christianity |
| 313 | Edict of Milan grants religious freedom | Christianity |
| 325 | Council of Nicaea | Christianity |
| 570 | Birth of Prophet Muhammad in Mecca | Islam |
| 610 | First revelation in the cave of Hira | Islam |
| 622 | Hijrah to Medina; Year 1 AH | Islam |
| 632 | Passing of the Prophet | Islam |
Which Religion Is Older, Islam or Christianity? Two Ways to Measure
The historical view
Historians count from the time a movement appeared as a distinct community. By this measure, Christianity is older than Islam by about 580 years. Most reference works and encyclopedias use this method.
The Islamic view
Muslims understand “Islam” as submission to One God. In this sense, it is the faith of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) completed it. So the answer to how old is Islam compared to Christianity depends on whether you mean the historical movement or the eternal message.
This is why Muslims honor Jesus (peace be upon him) as a mighty messenger. To learn more, visit Islamic Info Center for related guides on the prophets.
The History of Islam and Christianity: How Each Spread
Christianity’s growth
Christianity spread first through Jewish communities, then across Roman trade routes. It later became the dominant faith of Europe and spread globally through missionary work.
Islam’s growth
Islam spread in the first century of its history from Arabia to Syria, Egypt, Persia and North Africa. Trade, scholarship and the Quran’s message carried it to Asia and Africa. Today, Islam and Christianity are the two largest religions on earth, according to the Pew Research Center.
Islam vs Christianity Differences: Beyond Age
Age is only one comparison. The two faiths also share much: belief in one God, reverence for Jesus, and moral duties. Yet they differ on key points.
| Topic | Islam | Christianity |
|---|---|---|
| God | Strict oneness (Tawhid) | Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) |
| Jesus | Honored prophet and Messiah, not divine | Son of God, divine |
| Scripture | Quran, preserved in Arabic | Bible (Old and New Testaments) |
| Final prophet | Muhammad (peace be upon him) | Jesus is the final revelation |
| Worship | Five daily prayers, Ramadan, Hajj | Church worship, sacraments |
A practical example
Imagine a student writing a school report. If she writes that Christianity started in 30 CE and Islam in 610 CE, her dates are correct for history. If she adds that Muslims see Islam as the faith of all prophets, she shows both viewpoints fairly. That balance is the most trustworthy approach.
How to Verify the Dates Yourself
Use primary and academic sources
Check the Quran, the Hadith collections, and early biographies of the Prophet for Islam. For Christianity, consult the New Testament and academic histories. Cross-check with reputable references, and read our related article on Quran and Hadith sources.
Remember the margin of error
Ancient dates are never exact. Treat numbers such as 30 CE as careful estimates, while 610 CE and 622 CE are firmly established in Islamic tradition.
Key Takeaways: How Old Is Islam and Christianity
- Christianity is about 1,996 years old (from c. 30 CE).
- Islam is about 1,416 years old historically (from 610 CE) and is in the year 1448 AH.
- The gap is roughly 580 years, so Christianity is older historically.
- Muslims believe the message of Islam is as old as the first prophet, Adam.
- Both faiths honor Jesus, but differ on his nature.
FAQ: How Old Is Islam and Christianity
How old is Islam compared to Christianity?
Historically, Islam is about 580 years younger than Christianity. Christianity began around 30 CE and Islam in 610 CE.
Which religion is older, Islam or Christianity?
Christianity is older in historical terms. In the Islamic belief, however, the message of submission to God (Islam) began with Adam and the earlier prophets.
How old is Islam?
Islam is about 1,416 years old in 2026, counting from the first revelation in 610 CE. The Islamic calendar is at roughly 1448 AH.
How old is Christianity?
Christianity is about 1,996 years old in 2026, counting from around 30 CE.
When was Islam founded?
Islam was established in Mecca in 610 CE, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation. The Hijrah of 622 CE began the Islamic calendar.
When was Christianity founded?
Christianity emerged around 30 to 33 CE after the ministry of Jesus and the events that Christians call Pentecost.
How many years between Christianity and Islam?
There are about 575 to 580 years between the start of Christianity (c. 30 CE) and the start of Islam (610 CE).
Did Islam begin with Prophet Muhammad?
Historically, the Islamic community began with him. Muslims believe he completed the same message brought by all earlier prophets, as stated in Quran 3:67 and 5:3.
What do Islam and Christianity have in common?
Both teach belief in one God, honor Jesus, value charity and moral conduct, and trace their roots to Abraham.
Final Thoughts
So, how old is Islam and Christianity? Christianity is about 1,996 years old and Islam about 1,416, with a gap of roughly 580 years. Understanding both the historical and the faith based views gives you the complete picture. Continue learning with more articles at Islamic Info Center, and share this guide with someone who is curious.
Disclaimer: Dates for ancient events are scholarly estimates. Quran and Hadith quotations are translations of meaning; please consult qualified scholars for religious rulings.