The Rise of Islam

Muhammad founds Islamic Faith

Mar 6, 610

Muhammad believes that he is a prophet of God. He was visited by the Angel Jibrel (Gabriel). The messages that Muhammed recieved from God are written in the Qu'ran.

Muhammad leaves for Medina

Jun 1, 622

Muhammad's messages are not well recieved in Mecca. So he travels to Medina. The journey is known as the Hijrah or migration. The event is seen to be significant because this is the year the Islamic calendar begins.

Death of Muhammad

Mar 16, 632

Muhammad gains popularity is able to return and conquer Mecca before his death. He was seen as the last prophet of Allah by his followers.

Islamic Empire expands

Mar 16, 642

Muslim Armies take the Fertile Cresent (Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, and the Palestine), the North African coast, and Byzantine empires.

Qu'ran is written

Mar 16, 650

The Qu'ran is written down, The Quran is the messages given to Muhammad from Allah.

Battle of Tours

Oct 16, 732

The Umayyad dynasty attempts to invade France. They fail. Charles Martel is able to stop Muslim expansion into their country.

Baghdad becomes capital

Mar 16, 754

The Assabid dynasty conquers the Umayyad dynasty and the capital of the Islamic Empire moves to Baghdad.

Seljuk Turks take Baghdad

Mar 16, 1055

The Seljuk Turks believe that Muhammad conquered land that was rightfully theirs.

Two sects develop

Mar 2, 2022

Muslim split into two sects. Shiites and Sunnis. Shiites believe that Ali, Muhammad's son blood line should control the caliphate. While Shittes believe that the caliphs were properly chosen and the Umayyad dynasty was correct. The majority of Muslims are Shiites.