The Birth and Spread of Islam

Summary

Islam was founded in the 7th century by Prophet Muhammad in Mecca. It spread rapidly across Arabia, reaching as far as Spain and India within a century of Muhammad’s death. The migration to Medina in 622 AD is considered the birth of Islam as a political and religious entity. Islam’s growth resulted from conquests, as well as the efforts of merchants and scholars who disseminated the religion and culture globally. Today, Islam is the second-largest religion with over 1.8 billion followers, influencing various aspects of culture, art, science, and politics worldwide.

Facts

Founded by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century in Mecca.

Muslims believe Muhammad received revelations from Allah through the angel Gabriel, recorded in the Quran.

Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina in 622 AD, marking the beginning of Islam as a political and religious entity.

Within a century of Muhammad’s death, Islam reached Spain in the west and India in the east.

Islam expanded through conquests, as well as efforts by merchants and scholars.

Rapid expansion contributed to the establishment of a vast Islamic empire.

Islam influenced culture, art, science, and politics globally.

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world with over 1.8 billion followers.