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Spread of Islam Timeline

By John H. T.
  • 570

    Birth of Muhammad

    Muhammad is born in Mecca.
  • Period: 610 to 632

    Muhammad's Spiritual Transformation

    Over twelve or so years, the angel Gabriel places the text of the Koran into Muhammad's head.
  • 613

    Muhammad Teaches to the Citizens of Mecca

    Muhammad begins to speak to the Citizens of Mecca about his visits from Gabriel and the Koran.
  • 622

    The Hijra (Islamic Calendar)

    Muhammad and his supporter leave to the neighboring city of Medina after Citizens of Mecca target Muslims. This marks the beginning of the Islamic Calendar or the Hijra.
  • 630

    Medina Conquers Mecca

    Under Muhammad's leadership, the people of Medina take over Mecca.
  • 632

    The First Caliph is Chosen

    Abu Bakr is chosen as the successor to Muhammad and is the first caliph.
  • Period: 632 to 656

    Period of the Rightly Guided Caliphs

    Over this time period, the leaders of the Islamic people were relatives of Muhammad, hence the word Rightly. It ends with the assassination of Ali in 656.
  • 636

    Islamic Forces Take Damascus from Byzantine Forces

    Islamic Forces Beat Byzantine Forces at Damascus. This defeat opens the road for Islamic forces to push through and take the hold lands.
  • Period: 636 to 736

    Islam Conquers Several Areas

    Throughout this time period, Islamic Forces take Palestine, Mesopotamia, Egypt, North Africa, Persia, and Spain.
  • 661

    Capital Moves to Damascus

    Under the new Omayyad rule the capital is shifted to Damascus.
  • 661

    Sunni/Shi'ite Split

    Islam splits between the Sunni, the larger group that prefers unrelated to Muhammad but strong leaders, and the Shi'ite, the smaller group who prefers the leaders related to Muhammad. This division will lead to many conflicts and troubles.
  • Period: 661 to 747

    Omayyad Rule

    The Omayyad Rule stated when Mu'awihah won a civil war and became the caliph even though he wasn't related to Muhammad.
  • 710

    Muslim's Enter Spain and India

    Muslim armies advance east into India and West into Spain.
  • 732

    Islamic Forces Loose to King Charles Martel in France

    The Islamic forces attempt to push into France from Spain but are pushed back by King Charles Martel.
  • Period: 747 to 1300

    Islamic Golden Age

    Under the new Abbasid rule, Islam enters a golden age of advancements in science, culture, and economy. While Europe is riding out the dark ages, Islam is expanding on all fronts, both territorially and at home.
  • 750

    Capital of Islam Shifts to Baghdad

    The capital of Islam Shifts to Baghdad.
  • Period: 1095 to 1492

    The Crusades

    Throughout these years, European Forces lead several religiously driven campaigns to take over religious sites and free Christians.
  • 1099

    Crusaders Take Jerusalem from Islamic Forces

    The Crusaders Successfully take Jeruselum from Islamic Forces.