When Was Islam Founded: Islam is one of the world’s major religions, with over 1.8 billion followers worldwide. The origins of Islam are deeply rooted in the Arabian Peninsula, where it emerged in the 7th century CE. But when exactly was Islam founded, and how did it grow into a global faith? In this article, we’ll explore the key historical events and figures that led to the establishment of Islam and its spread across continents.
When Was Islam Founded
The Birth of Islam: A Historical Overview
Islam, as a distinct religious faith, was founded in the early 7th century CE by the Prophet Muhammad, a man who Muslims believe to be the last in a long line of prophets, including figures like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad received divine revelations that were later compiled into the holy book of Islam, the Qur’an.
However, to fully understand when Islam was founded, it’s essential to explore the key moments that shaped its rise.
The Early Life of Prophet Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca (present-day Saudi Arabia) around the year 570 CE. He belonged to the Quraysh tribe, a respected and influential tribe in the region. Muhammad’s early life was marked by personal tragedy; his father died before he was born, and his mother died when he was only six years old. Raised by his grandfather and later by his uncle, Muhammad grew up to become a well-respected merchant.
At the age of 25, Muhammad married Khadijah, a wealthy widow who was 15 years his senior. This marriage provided Muhammad with financial stability and allowed him to focus on his spiritual journey.
The First Revelation: The Beginning of Islam
The key event marking the beginning of Islam occurred in 610 CE, when Muhammad was around 40 years old. According to Islamic tradition, while meditating in the Cave of Hira near Mecca, Muhammad received his first revelation from the angel Jibril (Gabriel). These revelations, which continued for the next 23 years, were said to be the words of Allah (God), transmitted to Muhammad.
The revelations were initially oral and were later recorded in writing. This collection of revelations became the Qur’an, the holy scripture of Islam, which Muslims believe to be the final and complete message from God to humanity.
The Role of the Qur’an
The Qur’an is central to the Muslim faith, and it serves as the primary source of guidance for Muslims in all aspects of life. It is divided into 114 chapters (known as surahs) and is written in classical Arabic. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the literal word of God, and it remains unchanged since it was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
The Rise of Islam in Mecca and Medina
After receiving his first revelation, Muhammad began preaching the message of Islam in Mecca. His teachings emphasized monotheism, social justice, and moral integrity. Muhammad called for the worship of one God (Allah), rejection of idol worship, and the establishment of a just society where the poor and marginalized were treated with dignity.
Opposition in Mecca
Initially, Muhammad’s message was met with resistance, especially from the Quraysh leaders in Mecca, who saw his teachings as a threat to their power and wealth. As the number of followers grew, so did the opposition. Muslims faced persecution, including economic sanctions, social ostracism, and physical violence.
The Hijra: A Turning Point in Islamic History
In 622 CE, the persecution of Muslims in Mecca became unbearable. Muhammad and his followers were invited to the city of Yathrib (later known as Medina) to mediate a dispute between local tribes. This migration, known as the Hijra, is considered one of the most significant events in Islamic history. The Hijra marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and symbolizes the transition from a persecuted minority to a community with political and social influence.
In Medina, Muhammad established a nascent Muslim state, where he served as both a religious leader and a political figure. The Constitution of Medina, a document that outlined the rights and responsibilities of the various tribes in the city, is often regarded as one of the earliest forms of a social contract in history.
The Expansion of Islam
Following the Hijra, Islam rapidly spread across the Arabian Peninsula. Over the next several years, Muhammad and his followers engaged in a series of battles with the Quraysh of Mecca and other tribes. By 630 CE, Muhammad and his followers conquered Mecca, and the city became a center for Islamic worship. The Kaaba, a sacred structure in the heart of Mecca, was cleansed of idols, and it became the holiest site in Islam.
In the years following the conquest of Mecca, Islam continued to spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Muhammad passed away in 632 CE, but the religious and political movement he founded continued to expand rapidly under the leadership of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, his immediate successors.
The Legacy of Muhammad: The Spread of Islam
After Muhammad’s death, Islam spread beyond the Arabian Peninsula, first through military conquests and later through trade, diplomacy, and missionary work. Within a century of Muhammad’s death, the Islamic empire had stretched from Spain in the west to India in the east.
The Rashidun Caliphate
The Rashidun Caliphate (632-661 CE) was the first Islamic state and was led by the first four caliphs, who were close companions of Prophet Muhammad. The caliphs implemented many of Muhammad’s teachings, and under their leadership, the Muslim world saw rapid territorial expansion. The Rashidun period is marked by the consolidation of Islamic rule and the spread of Islamic culture and religion.
The Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates
The expansion of Islam continued under the Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE) and the Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 CE). During these periods, the Muslim world became a center of scientific, philosophical, and cultural advancement, with cities like Baghdad, Cordoba, and Cairo flourishing as intellectual hubs. The spread of Islam was not only through military means but also through trade routes, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.
The Spread of Islam to Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia
Islam made its way to sub-Saharan Africa through traders and missionaries. By the 9th century, Islam was firmly established in West Africa, and by the 12th century, it spread across the Sahel region.
In Southeast Asia, Islam spread through maritime trade routes. The arrival of Islam in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines is often attributed to the influence of Muslim traders and Sufi missionaries who introduced the religion in a peaceful manner.
Conclusion: When Was Islam Founded?
Islam was founded in the early 7th century CE, with the first revelation received by Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE. The religion officially emerged as a distinct faith during Muhammad’s lifetime, and its establishment as a global religion was solidified through the political and military expansions of his successors. Today, Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, with billions of followers and a rich history that spans continents and cultures.
Understanding when Islam was founded and how it evolved helps provide insight into the profound impact this faith has had on history, culture, and civilization. Whether through its theological principles, its cultural contributions, or its global influence, Islam remains a central force in the world today.
Five Pillars of Islam
References:
- The Qur’an – The holy book of Islam is the primary source for understanding the teachings and the foundations of the religion. Many English translations are available, along with commentaries (tafsir) that provide contextual understanding.
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings
This biography is one of the most respected works on the life of Prophet Muhammad, drawing from early Islamic sources and offering a narrative of his life from birth to death. - “The History of the Arab Peoples” by Albert Hourani
This comprehensive book traces the history of the Arab world from the pre-Islamic era through to the modern period, with a focus on the rise and spread of Islam. - “Islam: A Short History” by Karen Armstrong
Karen Armstrong’s accessible introduction to Islam explores the key moments in Islamic history, from the founding of the religion to its global spread. - “The Oxford History of Islam” edited by John L. Esposito
A detailed and scholarly reference work that provides an overview of Islamic history, culture, and thought, covering the period from the life of Muhammad to the modern-day. - “The Cambridge History of Islam” (Volume 1-2)
A highly detailed and academic collection of essays on the history of Islam, written by leading scholars in the field. It covers early Islamic history, the development of Islamic institutions, and the spread of Islam across the world. - Encyclopaedia of Islam – A well-respected academic resource, often used by scholars for in-depth research on Islamic history, theology, and culture.
- “The Life of Muhammad” by Muhammad Husayn Haykal
This book provides an in-depth look at the life of Muhammad, exploring the socio-political environment of the Arabian Peninsula during his time and the key events that led to the founding of Islam. - BBC History – Islam
The BBC website offers various articles and resources on the history of Islam, including its founding, the life of Prophet Muhammad, and the spread of the religion. - “The Prophets of Islam” by T. P. Hughes
This book provides a historical perspective on Prophet Muhammad and the key figures of Islam, offering insight into the foundations and early spread of the religion.
When Was Islam Founded, When Was Islam Founded, When Was Islam Founded, When Was Islam Founded,When Was Islam Founded, When Was Islam Founded, When Was Islam Founded, When Was Islam Founded,
