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Jan 1, 610
Muhammad's Revelation
At age 40, Muhammad's reflections were interrupted by the voice of angel Gabriel. Over the next 2 decades, God continued to reveal his message to Muhammad through Gabriel. These messages were later transcribed into what is now known as the Quran. -
Jan 1, 622
Hijra
Muhammad's journey to Medina, is known as the Hijra, and is a central moment in Islamic history. Muslims began the year 1 of their calendar with Muhammad's assertion of power and government in Medina. -
Jun 8, 632
Muhammad's Death
Muhammad, the Prophet, dies after being ill. The Muslim community elects his father-in-law, Abu Bakr, as caliph. After his death, many people (mainly the Shi'as and Sunnies) deabte over the successsion of caliphs. -
Jan 1, 656
Ali was elected caliph
Uthmans succesor, Ali, was elected against much oppistion. Mainly supported by the Shi'as, who believed that caliphs should be chosen by the family of the Propeht (Muhammad). Ali getting elected gave the Shi'as some type of power or something to fight for, and from 680 on, Shi'as went into battle to get the appointment of their imams to fill the position of caliph.