Islam is one of the world’s major religions, with a rich and diverse history that spans over 1,400 years. Its origins can be traced back to the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, and it has since grown to become a global faith, with over a billion followers worldwide.
This article provides an overview of the history of Islam, from its beginnings to its development into one of the world’s most influential religions. History of Islam forms a major part of the UPSC IAS exam, and questions related to this topic are seen in Prelims, UPSC Mains Paper I, as well as in UPSC History Optional. This topic is equally important for the UGC NET History exam.
History of Islam in a Glimpse!
- 570 CE: Birth of the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca.
- 610 CE: Muhammad receives his first revelation from God (Allah) through the angel Gabriel.
- 622 CE: The Hijra (migration) of Muhammad and early Muslims to Yathrib, later known as Medina.
- 630 CE: Muslims conquer Mecca, establishing Islamic control over the Arabian Peninsula.
- 632 CE: Death of the Prophet Muhammad; Abu Bakr becomes the first Caliph.
- 651 CE: The compilation of the Quran under the third Caliph, Uthman.
- 656 CE: The assassination of the fourth Caliph, Ali, leading to the Sunni-Shia split.
- 661-750 CE: The Umayyad Caliphate expands Islamic territory into North Africa, Spain, and Central Asia.
- 750-1258 CE: The Abbasid Caliphate marks the Islamic Golden Age, with significant achievements in various fields.
- 1096-1291 CE: The Crusades, a series of wars between Christian and Muslim forces in the Holy Land.
- 1258 CE: The Mongols sack Baghdad, leading to the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate.
- 1453 CE: The Ottoman Empire captures Constantinople, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire.
- 1683 CE: The Ottoman Empire’s unsuccessful siege of Vienna marks the beginning of its decline.
- Late 18th-19th century: European colonialism impacts many Muslim-majority regions.
- 20th century: Emergence of independent Muslim-majority nations, decolonization, and movements seeking to reconcile Islamic values with modernity.
- 1979 CE: The Iranian Revolution establishes an Islamic Republic in Iran.
- 21st century: Ongoing geopolitical and cultural interactions, as well as challenges, in the modern Islamic world.
