The Rise and Spread of Islam

The Postclassical Period - The Rise and Spread of Islam

Period: 500 to Jan 1, 1450

Although Islam's increasing influence and continuing succession during the postclassical period remained constant, the religion changed in its expansion throughout Asia and Africa, as well as through Islam's changing beliefs as it divided into the Sunni and Shi'a sectors.

The Prophet Muhammad's First Revelations

Jan 1, 610

In 610, while meditating in Mecca, the prophet Muhammad received the first of the many revelations that began the religion Islam. The revelations would later be collected in the Qur'an, which would become the basis of the religion. The revelations and the development of the Qu'ran shows change, because it began a new worldwide religion.

Muhammad's Flight to Medina

Jan 1, 622

In 622, Muhammad became a target of assassins in Mecca, because he was seen as a threat to the wealth and power of Umayyad nobles. He fleed to Medina, where he was welcomed with open arms and gained many followers. The day of his flight to Medina became the first year of the Muslim calender. Muhammad's flight is an example of continuity in Islam, because it continued the spread of the religion in Medina.

First Successor/Caliph of Muhammad, Abu Bakr

Jan 1, 632

Following the death of the prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr was chosen as the successor and first caliph of Islam. Abu Bakr, a close friend and follower of Muhammad, had knowledge about Bedouin tribes and was able to form alliances with nearby territories. The succesion of Muhammad shows continuity in the Islam religion, by continuing leadership and unity for the followers. The caliph Abu Bakr continued the religion through his rule.

Death of 3rd Caliph, Uthman

Jan 1, 656

The death of the third caliph, Uthman, led to a series of conflicts concerning succession, which created divisions in the Islam religion. The two resulting divided branches became the Sunnis and the Shi'a. This split in the religion was a change in the Muslim society, because it separated the beliefs of Islam into two conflciting groups.

Islam Becomes Active in Southeast Asia Trade

Jan 1, 700

By the 7th century, Muslim sailors and merchants began to take part in the ocean trade of Southeast Asia, particularly in the area of Sumatra and Malaysia. The trading links were a change in Islamic history because they led to the expansion of Islam in Southeast Asia.

First Muslim Invasion into India

Jan 1, 711

Almohadis Spread Islam into the Sub-Saharan Africa

Jan 1, 1130

A Muslim reformist group, the Almohadis began to spread Islam into Africa through a jihad, or holy war to spread and protect the faith. The spread of Islam into sub-Saharan Africa was a change because it widened the influence of Islam.

Muhammad of Ghur Leads Conquest of Indus Valley

Jan 1, 1200

Persian military commander, Muhammad of Ghur, led several conquests into India, which both spread the Islam faith and gained new territory. The conquests brought the Indus valley area and some of north central India under Muslim control. The new territory gained, represents a change in Islam because it expanded the area influenced by the religion.

Collapse of Trading Empire, Shrivijaya

Jan 1, 1300

Although Muslim merchants were already involved with trade in Southeast Asia, the collapse of the trading empire Shrivijaya opened a door for the further spread of the Islam religion. Muslim trade centers established in Shriyijaya advanced trade. This is an example of continuity, because it furthered the already increasing spread of Islam, as well as continuing the trade system.

Mansa Kankan Musa's Pilgrimage to Mecca

Jan 1, 1324

The pilgrimage of Mali emperor Mansa Kankan Musa brought Muslim attention to the spread of Islam in Africa. The pilgrimage also increased Islamic influence in Mali, particularly through architecture. The Mali emperor's pilgrimage was a change for Islam because it further influenced African societies, as wella as bringign attention to Islam's spread throughout Africa.