Islam Timeline

Calendar Notation Used C.E=Christian Era

The start of Islam is marked in the year 610, following the first revelation to the prophet Muhammad at the age of 40. Muhammad and his followers spread the teachings of Islam throughout the Arabian peninsula. Soon after the death of the prophet Muhammad, (ﷺ) there were military expeditions, called “Futuhat,” or literally “Openings,” into what is now Egypt and other parts of North Africa. In other parts of the world, Islam spread through trade and commerce. The following is a brief timeline that highlights some of the major occurrences in Islam’s development, as well as the geographical spread of Islam to some of the countries featured in the film.

570 C.E. Muhammad (ﷺ) is born in Mecca. He comes from a noble family and is well-known for his honesty and upright character.
610 C.E. According to Muslim belief, at the age of 40, Muhammad(ﷺ) is visited by the angel Gabriel while on retreat in a cave near Mecca, (Jabal al-Nour and its Cave of Hira hold immense historical and spiritual significance for Muslims due to their association with the life-changing events surrounding Prophet Muhammad’s initial revelations). The angel recites to him the first revelations of the Quran and informs him that he is God’s prophet. Later, Muhammad(ﷺ) is told to call his people to the worship of the one God, but they react with hostility and begin to persecute him and his followers.
623 C.E. After enduring persecution in Mecca, Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers migrate to the nearby town of Yathrib (later to be known as Medina), where the people there accepted Islam. This marks the “hijrah” or “emigration,” and the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes an Islamic state based on the laws revealed in the Quran and the inspired guidance coming to him from God. Eventually he begins to invite other tribes and nations to Islam.
624 C.E. Battle of Badr: Muhammad’s forces win, resulting in a turning point for Islam against the ruling Quraysh tribe.
625 C.E. The Battle of Uhud, which took place on March 23, 625 CE (7 Shawwal, 3 AH), was a significant confrontation between the early Muslims and the Quraysh tribe. This battle followed the earlier Battle of Badr, where the Muslims had achieved a notable victory against the Quraysh. The context for the Battle of Uhud was rooted in the ongoing conflict between these two groups, particularly after the Quraysh sought revenge for their losses at Badr.
627 C.E. Battle of the Trench: Quraysh troops attempt to siege Medina (then called Yathrib), but lose to the Muslim force.
627 C.E. 627 C.E. Siege of Bani Qurayzah: Muslims capture the Jewish stronghold. The Siege of Banu Qurayza occurred in January 627 CE (5 AH) and was a significant event following the Battle of the Trench. The Banu Qurayza were a Jewish tribe residing in Medina
628 C.E. The Battle of Khaybar occurred in 628 CE, involving an armed confrontation between early Muslims led by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Jewish tribes residing in the Khaybar oasis, located approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Medina. The Jewish community in Khaybar was significant, consisting of several tribes that had previously been involved in conflicts with the Muslim community
628 C.E. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was a significant event in Islamic history that took place in March 628 CE (Dhu al-Qi’dah, AH 6). This treaty was established between the Islamic prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Quraysh tribe of Mecca. The context leading up to this treaty involved Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE due to persecution, where he built a strong community of followers. Over the years, tensions escalated between the Muslims in Medina and the Quraysh, culminating in several battles. Event: Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers came to Mecca from Medina to do Umrah but were stopped at Hudaibiya by the Quraysh tribe. Outcome: Diplomatic negotiations lead to the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, making a 10-year period of peace. Muslims are granted access to the Kab’ah for 3 days per year only.
629 CE Event: The First Umrah takes place in 629 CE, following the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Outcome: Muhammad (ﷺ) and around 2000 people performed Umrah for 3 days.
629 C.E. First Pilgrimage (“lesser” pilgrimage or “Umrah”) made by Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Muslims to Mecca after migrating to Medina.
629 C.E. The **Battle of Mu’tah is a significant event in early Islamic history. It was fought between the forces of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Byzantine Empire, along with their Ghassanid allies, in the village of Mu’tah, located east of the Jordan River in modern-day Jordan. The Battle of Mu’tah is remembered not only for its immediate military implications but also for its role in shaping future Islamic campaigns against Byzantium. It illustrated both the courage of early Muslims and their commitment to defending their community against external threats.
630 C.E. Muhammad (ﷺ) returns to Mecca with a large number of his followers. He enters the city peacefully, and eventually all its citizens accept Islam. The prophet clears the idols and images out of the Kaaba and rededicates it to the worship of God alone.
630 C.E. The Battle of Hunayn was a significant conflict that occurred in 630 CE (8 AH) between the Muslims, led by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif. This battle took place shortly after the conquest of Mecca and is notable for its mention in the Qur’an, specifically in Surat at-Tawbah. Ultimately, after regrouping and receiving reinforcements through divine support, Muhammad’s forces managed to turn the tide against their adversaries. The battle concluded with a decisive victory for the Muslims despite their earlier setbacks. The aftermath saw significant consequences for both tribes involved; many members were captured or killed while others fled into nearby territories. The victory at Hunayn solidified Muhammad’s position within Arabia and allowed for further expansion of Islam throughout the region. the Battle of Hunayn was marked by initial confusion leading to retreat among Muslim forces but ultimately resulted in a decisive victory due to strategic regrouping and divine intervention, reinforcing Muhammad’s leadership role in early Islamic history.
630 C.E. The attempted siege of Ta’if occurred shortly after Muhammad’s successful campaigns against the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif, particularly following the Battle of Hunayn. The siege was a significant military operation aimed at subduing the city of Ta’if, which was known for its strong fortifications and resistance to external forces. Following this unsuccessful attempt at capturing Ta’if, Muhammad (ﷺ) vowed to return after a period when fighting was prohibited during sacred months. In subsequent interactions with the Banu Thaqif, they sent delegations seeking terms that would allow them continued worship practices while plotting against him. When their conspiracy was uncovered, they eventually surrendered under conditions set by Muhammad (ﷺ) that included disarmament. This episode illustrates not only military strategy but also highlights early Islamic diplomacy as well as community dynamics within Arabia during this transformative period.
632 C.E. The Farewell Pilgrimage, known in Arabic as Ḥijjat al-Wadāʿ, refers to the final pilgrimage performed by the Prophet Muhammad in the Islamic year 10 AH, which corresponds to 632 CE. This pilgrimage is significant in Islamic history as it was the only Hajj that Muhammad (ﷺ) undertook after the Conquest of Mecca. The event is marked by several key elements that are foundational to Islamic practices and beliefs. Farewell Sermon (Khutbah), addressing over 100,000 Sahaba. This sermon emphasized several key principles such as equality , respect for rights, prohibition of usury (interest), and adherence to justice. It also included a significant revelation from Allah stating that He had perfected religion for them: “This day I have perfected your religion for you…” (Quran 5:3). After sunset on Dhu al-Hijjah’s 9th day, Muhammad (ﷺ) moved to Muzdalifah where he prayed before returning to Mina for further rituals including stoning at Jamrah and sacrificing animals. Following these rituals, Muhammad (ﷺ) returned to Mecca for another Tawaf before concluding his pilgrimage. This event not only solidified many practices associated with Hajj but also served as a pivotal moment in Islamic teachings regarding community ethics and responsibilities. The Farewell Pilgrimage was a monumental event that established essential rites of Hajj while encapsulating core messages about faith and social justice within Islam. it is called the “Farewell Hajj Pilgrimage” because it was Prophet Muhammad’s last pilgrimage during which he delivered crucial teachings through his Farewell Sermon and received significant revelations about Islam’s completion. This event symbolized both a conclusion to his prophetic mission and an enduring legacy for future generations of Muslims. He passed away the year that followed. 633 C.E. Muhammad dies after a prolonged illness. he passed away at the age of 63 years old. some sources say 62 years old but researches confirms 63 years old(Abu Bakr becomes the first caliph (successor to Muhammad) of the Rashidun Caliphate.)
634 – 644CE Umar ibn al-Khattab succeeds Abu Bakr, becoming the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate.
637-638CE Muslim invasion of the Levant. The Byzantines are driven out. Muslims enter the area north of Arabia, known as “Sham,” including Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq.
641 C.E. Muslims enter Egypt and rout the Byzantine army. Muslims consider their conquest as the liberation of subjugated people, since in most instances they were under oppressive rule.
644 – 656 C.E. Uthman ibn ‘Affan succeeds Umar to become the third caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate.
651 C.E. Muslim Conquest of Mesopotamia.
655 C.E. Islam begins to spread throughout North Africa.
656 – 661 C.E. Ali ibn Abi Talib succeeds Uthman to become the fourth and final caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate.
661 C.E. Death of Imam Ali, bringing to an end the rule of the four “righteous caliphs”: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. This also marks the beginning of the Umayyad rule.
670 C.E. Death of Hasan ibn Ali. (Son of Ali Ibn Talib one of the the fourth righteous caliphs)
680 C.E. Death of Husayn ibn Ali (Son of Ali Ibn Talib one of the the fourth righteous caliphs)
711 C.E. Muslims enter Spain in the west and India in the east. Eventually almost the entire Iberian Peninsula is under Islamic control.
732 C.E. Muslims are defeated at Potiers in France by Charles Martel.
750 C.E. Fall of the Umayyad Caliphate.
750 C.E. The Abbasids take over rule from the Umayyads, shifting the seat of power to Baghdad.
754 C.E. 775 Reign of Al-Mansur over the Abbasid Caliphate.
756 C.E. Abd al-Rahman I establishes the Emirate of Cordoba.
756 C.E. 788 Reign of Abd al-Rahman over the Emirate of Cordoba.
783 C.E. The city of Zaragoza falls to forces from the Emirate of Cordoba.
784 C.E. Abd al-Rahman begins construction on the Great Mosque of Cordoba.
788 C.E. Death of Abd al-Rahman of the Emirate of Cordoba.
1000 C.E. Islam continues to spread through the continent of Africa, including Nigeria, which served as a trading liaison between the northern and central regions of Africa.
1031 C.E. Fall of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba.
1099 C.E. Crusaders take Jerusalem from the Muslims. Eventually Muslims defeat the Crusaders and regain control of the holy land.
1120 C.E. Islam continues to spread throughout Asia. Malaysian traders interact with Muslims who teach them about Islam.
1299 C.E. The earliest Ottoman state is formed in Anatolia, Turkey.
1313 – 1341 C.E. Uzbeg rules the Golden Horde and makes Islam the state religion.
1453 C.E. Ottomans conquer the Byzantine seat of Constantinople and change its name to Istanbul.
1948 C.E. the creation of Israel in 1948 resulted in significant displacement of populations from Palestine and Lebanon. This event not only reshaped demographics but also laid down deep-rooted conflicts that continue to affect regional stability today
1979 C.E. The Iranian Revolution results in the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.