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Prophet Muhammad is born in Mecca. He is orphaned at age six, and is taken into the care of his grandfather. When his grandfather dies, Muhammad goes to live with his uncle.
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Muhammad receives his first revelation while meditating in a cave near Mecca. He hears the angel Gabriel addressing him and becomes the messenger of God.
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After persecution in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrate to Medina. This journey, known as the hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic era.
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Muhammad conquers Mecca and forgives all his enemies. A written constitution is established as the basis of government. The foundations of the Muslim civilization are in Medina.
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The Prophet Muhammad dies after giving his farewell sermon. Abu Bakr is selected as the first caliph of Islam.
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After Abu Bakr’s death, the Prophet’s companion Umar al-Khattab is elected as the second caliph. Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Palestine come under Muslim rule. Jerusalem is captured, and it is declared that Christians will be honored and protected. The Islamic calendar is introduced, consisting of 12 lunar months.
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Caliph Umar is murdered. An electoral council elects Uthman ibn Affan as the third caliph.
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Caliph Uthman compiles the Qur’an. Islam expands into the Maghrib, or North West Africa.
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Islam spreads to Persia and Byzantium. The Caliph Othman dies in a revolt. Ali Abi Talib becomes the fourth caliph. Muawiya declares himself the "first king of islam".
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Caliph Ali is murdered. Hussain, son of Caliph Ali, is killed at the battle of Karbala. The Muslim community is split into two groups, the Sunnis and the Shi’as. The Umayyad dynasty is established in Syria.
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"Key Moments of Islamic civilization." New Internationalist All Posts RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2016.