History of Islam
Origins
The religion of Islam originated in the 7th century CE in Mecca, a city in present-day Saudi Arabia. The founder of Islam, Muhammad, is said to have received revelations from the angel Gabriel, which were later compiled into the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
Spread of Islam
Following Muhammad's death in 632 CE, Islam began to spread rapidly. The first major expansion of Islam into foreign lands occurred under the Rashidun Caliphate, which conquered vast territories in the Middle East and North Africa. The Umayyad Caliphate further expanded the Islamic empire, reaching as far west as Spain and as far east as India.
Golden Age
The period from the 8th to the 14th centuries, often referred to as the Islamic Golden Age, was a time of great intellectual and cultural development in the Islamic world. During this time, Muslim scholars made significant contributions to various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.
Divisions within Islam
The Islamic community split into two main sects, Sunni and Shia, following a dispute over leadership after Muhammad's death. This division has had a profound impact on the history of Islam and continues to influence the political and social dynamics of Muslim-majority countries today.
Modern Islam
In the modern era, Islam has continued to spread globally and has become one of the world's largest religions. Contemporary issues in the Islamic world include debates over religious interpretation, the role of Islam in politics, and the relationship between Islam and other religions and cultures.