Spread of Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula

Muhammad is born

570

Muhammad was born in 570 C.E. Muhammad is an incredibly important figure in Islam, founding the very principles of the religion. The event of Muhammads birth is important in understanding the spread of Islam because, without Muhammad, Islam, along with all Islamic nations would never have been formed.

Muhammad is visited by the Angel Gabriel

610

In the year 610, Muhammad is visited by the Angel Gabriel. Muhammad would then become a prophet of Islam, with the Angel slowly revealing to him the sacred book of Islam, the Qur'an. Understanding Muhammad and his journey to becoming a prophet is vital in learning the history and success of Islam, as Muhammads teachings, along with the Qur'an, would influence all who followed spread Islam.

Muhammad and his followers leave Mecca to go to Medina (Hijrah)

622

Muhammad's Hijrah happened in 622. This is an incredibly important event to followers of Islam, as this marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. Because this event is crucial for Muslims, it's important to learn about to understand the founding of Islam before learning of the spread of Islam.

Islam forces win in the Battle of Badr

624

In 624, Muhamad's Islamic forces won in the battle of Badr against the Meccans. This is an essential event in the history of the spread of Islam because this is one of if not the first instances of Islamic forces demonstrating their power and ability to conquer.

Muhammad takes control of Mecca, cleansing the Kaaba

629

From 629-630, Muhammad and his followers took control of Mecca, and cleansed the idols in the Kaaba. Mecca would go on to become an incredibly important location for Muslims. The overtaking of Mecca further demonstrates Islams ability to spread their influence.

Muhammad dies, leads to rise of Abu Bakr

632

In 632, the incredibly influential Muhammad died, and Abu Bakr would take over. Abu Bakr became the first Caliph of Islam. The continuance of Islamic leadership shows that, even after Muhammads death, Islam prospered and, as we would see, would flourish as it spread throughout the world.

Muslim armies win in the Battle of Yarmouk and Battle of Qadisiyyah

636

In 636, Muslim armies defeated Byzantine forces in the Battle of Yarmouk and the Battle of Qadisiyyah. From this, the Islamic forces gained control of Syria and Iraq. As we know, the Byzantine Empire was an incredibly powerful empire, so the defeat of their forces by Islamic armies demonstrates how effective and powerful the Islamic forces were.

Muslim armies enter Egypt

641

In 641, Muslim armies enter Egypt. Similar to the previous event, they were able to defeat the powerful Byzantine Empire. The entering of Egypt would allow Islamic nations to then further conquer Africa, thus expanding their influence.

Construction of the Dome of the Rock in Jeruselum

692

In 692, the construction of the famous "Dome of the Rock" in Jerusalem by the 5th Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik is completed. This would become an incredibly important monument in Islamic history, demonstrating the power and importance of Islam. This is an important event in the history of the spread of Islam because it shows that Islam had controlled the vital city of Jerusalem, demonstrating that they've expanded their control throughout the world.

Invasion of Spain by Umayyad and Berger forces

711

In 711, Spain was invaded by Umayyad and Berger forces. This would lead to a long history of possession of the Iberian Peninsula. The Islamic invasion of Spain demonstrates their ability to conquer and expand into western Europe.