Islam is over 1,400 years old when dated from the beginning of the Quran’s revelation to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE. Its early community formed in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century CE. Muslims regard the Quran as the word of Allah and Muhammad as His final prophet.
When did Islam begin?
Islam’s beginnings in the Arabian Peninsula are dated to the Quran’s first revelation in 610 CE. The Prophet Muhammad received revelation from Allah through the archangel Gabriel and began sharing the message with others.
The first revelation included the words “Recite in the name of thy Lord …” (sura 96 in the Quran). The revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad were gathered into the Quran, Islam’s holy book.
A community of believers formed as the Prophet Muhammad preached. By the time of his death in 632 CE, Islam had spread across the Arabian Peninsula.
What do Muslims believe?
Islam is a monotheistic religion: Muslims believe in one God, Allah, and regard Muhammad as His final prophet. They believe he belongs to a line of prophets that includes Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
The Quran is regarded as the word of Allah and a source of religious and moral guidance. The Hadith record the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad.
How do the pillars of faith differ from the five pillars?
The pillars of faith describe core beliefs, while the five pillars describe foundational practices. Keeping the distinction clear helps beginners understand how belief and worship fit together.
| Pillars of faith | Five pillars of Islam |
|---|---|
| Belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His prophets, the Day of Judgment and predestination | Faith in God, prayer, giving charity, fasting during Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca |
Belief in the oneness of Allah is known as Tawheed. These beliefs and practices are central to understanding Islam alongside its history.
How did Islam spread?
Islam began spreading beyond the Arabian Peninsula in the 630s CE, shortly after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. By the 8th century CE, it had spread to Spain and Central Asia.
Military expansion was part of this history. Muslim armies conquered Syria, Iraq, Persia, and North Africa. Trade also played a role: in Southeast Asia, Muslim traders introduced people to the Islamic faith.
Later Islamic history also includes the Islamic Golden Age, a period of scientific and cultural achievement. Muslim scholars contributed to mathematics, medicine and astronomy, while the Islamic world produced works of art and architecture.
Why is Arabic important in Islam?
Arabic is the language of the Quran and is used in Muslim prayer and worship. Muslim scholars have also written in Arabic on theology, law, philosophy and science.
For learners, this connects language study with reading the Quran. Depending on their goals, students can focus on the language through Standard Arabic classes, or work on recitation through Tajweed classes.
How can families explore Islam beyond its history?
Families can build on this introduction by studying Islamic beliefs and practices alongside the Quran. Children can explore these subjects in Islamic studies for kids, while learners interested in memorizing the Quran can explore the Quran memorization course.
Murouj Academy offers Quran, Arabic and Islamic studies courses through one-to-one online classes. Families and adults can meet the teachers, choose their teacher and book a free trial class.
Keep reading
- The origin of Islam: when and where it began
- An introduction to the Islamic calendar
- The history of the Kaaba
Frequently asked questions
What starting point is used to calculate Islam’s age?
The calculation here starts with the Quran’s first revelation in 610 CE. Measured from that event, Islam is over 1,400 years old.
Are the Quran and Hadith the same thing?
No. Muslims regard the Quran as the word of Allah, while the Hadith record the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Did Islam spread only through conquest?
No. Military expansion was part of its early spread, but trade also played a role. Muslim traders introduced the faith to people in Southeast Asia.
