Islam
Origins & Timeline
Place of Origin
Arabian Peninsula
Mecca and Medina (modern-day Saudi Arabia)
Time Period
7th century CE
Era
610 CE - First Revelation
FROM
ANCIENT
TO
PRESENT
Islam arose in the 7th century CE on the Arabian Peninsula. Its earliest centers were Mecca and Medina (in present-day Saudi Arabia). Against the backdrop of a tribal society and trading cities, Islam called people to 'return to the One true God,' quickly formed a cohesive community, and within a few decades expanded across the Middle East and beyond.
* From Mecca and Medina, Islam spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula, then to Persia, North Africa, Spain, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Prophet Muhammad
Peace be upon him (PBUH) | c. 570-632 CE
The Seal of the Prophets
"The best among you is the one who has the best character."
1. Early life and character
Born in Mecca; later worked in trade and was known for honesty and trustworthiness, earning the title 'the Trustworthy.'
2. First revelation (c. 610)
While in retreat in the cave of Ḥirāʾ, he received revelation and began preaching the oneness of God and moral renewal.
3. Meccan preaching and persecution
Public preaching met strong opposition; early believers faced persecution.
4. Migration (Hijra, 622)
He migrated to Medina; the Islamic community (Ummah) took shape and became institutionalized there. This year marks the start of the Islamic calendar.
5. Community-building and expansion
Established prayer, social norms, and public order; also experienced conflict and treaties.
6. Return to Mecca (c. 630)
Mecca entered the Islamic community; the Kaaba was affirmed as a central symbol of worship of the One God.
7. Farewell pilgrimage and passing (632)
He completed the Farewell Pilgrimage and died shortly thereafter; Islamic faith and the Quranic recitation tradition continued through the community.
Key stages: Meccan preaching faced persecution; Migration (Hijra) to Medina in 622 CE (marking the start of the Islamic calendar); established the Muslim community (Ummah); returned to Mecca around 630 CE; completed the Farewell Pilgrimage and passed away in 632 CE.
Core Briefs
Core Focus
Faith and Practice
The core focus of Islam is: acknowledging the oneness of God, submitting to God's will, and shaping individuals and society through faith and ethical practice. The main points include:
Tawhid
The Fundamental Principle
God (Allah) is one, transcendent, indivisible—the Lord of creation and judgment.
Revelation and Prophethood
Messengers of God
God guides humanity through prophets. Islam recognizes many prophets (e.g., Abraham, Moses, Jesus) and regards Muhammad as the 'Seal of the Prophets' (the last prophet).
Day of Judgment
Accountability and Justice
Emphasizes human responsibility, resurrection, and final judgment; encourages justice, restraint, and compassion.
Five Pillars of Islam
The Practical Framework of Faith
The five essential practices that form the foundation of Muslim life.
Sharia and Moral Life
Ethics and Law
Stresses reverence for God, honesty, justice, mercy, family responsibility, and social ethics (details vary among legal schools and traditions).
Major Branches (Overview)
Historical Development
Historical development led to traditions such as Sunni and Shia; differences mainly concern early succession and understanding of authority, but both share the Quran and the core belief in the oneness of God.
Major Branches and Leadership Systems
Sunni and Shia
After Muhammad's passing, Muslims differed primarily on the question of legitimate leadership of the community. Both affirm the oneness of God and the authority of the Quran, and both revere Muhammad as the Messenger of God, but they differ in how religious and political authority should be understood and transmitted.
Sacred Scriptures
The Quran
The Quran
Islam's central scripture, regarded by believers as the Word of God (Allah) revealed in Arabic to Muhammad, and the foundational source for faith, worship, and ethics.
"In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful."
Hadith and Sunnah
Hadith and Sunnah
Hadith refers to transmitted reports about the Prophet Muhammad's words, deeds, tacit approvals, and conduct. It is closely related to Sunnah: generally, Sunnah refers to the Prophet's normative example and model to be followed, while Hadith are the written/oral reports that carry and transmit this content. Together with the Quran, they form essential sources for understanding faith and life norms, used for prayer details, ethical teachings, legal derivation, and scriptural interpretation.
"Actions are judged by intentions."
The Quran
Islam's central scripture, regarded by believers as the Word of God (Allah) revealed in Arabic to Muhammad, and the foundational source for faith, worship, and ethics.
"In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful."
Hadith and Sunnah
Hadith refers to transmitted reports about the Prophet Muhammad's words, deeds, tacit approvals, and conduct. It is closely related to Sunnah: generally, Sunnah refers to the Prophet's normative example and model to be followed, while Hadith are the written/oral reports that carry and transmit this content. Together with the Quran, they form essential sources for understanding faith and life norms, used for prayer details, ethical teachings, legal derivation, and scriptural interpretation.
"Actions are judged by intentions."
Sacred Symbol
Represents the lunar calendar used in Islam and the concept of growth and progress
Symbolizes knowledge, divine light, and guidance
Often associated with Islam, representing paradise and life
Crescent and Star
Widely used historically on mosques, flags, and cultural symbols. It is primarily a historical and cultural emblem, not an 'official' religious symbol mandated by scripture.
Also associated with:
Calligraphy
Arabic calligraphy of 'Allah' or Quranic verses is a significant art form and spiritual expression in Islamic culture.
Stories & Illustrations
Visual journey through sacred narratives
#01
The First Revelation in Cave Ḥirāʾ
In the Cave of Ḥirāʾ, Muhammad receives His first revelation from the Angel Gabriel and is commanded to recite God's words.
#02
The Kaaba and Black Stone
The Kaaba and the Black Stone in Mecca are the most sacred pilgrimage destination for millions of Muslims worldwide.
#03
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem
Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, associated with Muhammad's miraculous Night Journey and Ascension to heaven.
#04
Shi'a and Sunni Islam
Symbols representing the differences between the two main branches of Islam: Shi'a and Sunni.
Knowledge Quiz
Question 1 of 5
Score: 0
How many times a day do Muslims pray?