Understanding when was Islam founded? is one of the most common questions people ask when exploring world religions or studying the roots of Islamic history. Islam began in 610 A.D., when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation from the angel Jibril in the sacred city of Mecca. That moment marks the official beginning of Islam, a faith that would soon grow into a global religion with over 1.8 billion followers. What started as a small, persecuted community eventually expanded across Arabia, Asia, Africa, and Europe through its message of monotheism, justice, and moral guidance.
In this guide, you’ll learn not only the exact year Islam began, but also the events that shaped its rise — from the first revelation and the Hijrah to Medina, to the growth of the Rashidun Caliphate, the Umayyad expansion, and the intellectual peak of the Abbasid era. We will also explore core concepts like the Quran, Hadith, five daily prayers, sacred months, mosques, and the Kaaba. This overview is designed to be clear, conversational, and voice-search friendly, giving you a complete and easy understanding of how Islam started and why it continues to inspire millions today.
When Was Islam Founded?
In my twenty years of teaching and researching the history of faith traditions, I have often seen how the question of when Islam was founded sits deeply in the minds of people who wish to truly learn about its history. Many are not aware that the beginning of this religion can be traced precisely to 610 A.D., the year the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) received the first revelation through the angel Jibril in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. That moment marked the start of what would become one of the largest religions in the world, the second largest after Christianity, now embraced by over 1.8 billion Muslims. Even though it is centuries old, it remains one of the fastest-growing faiths on earth.
Islam Facts
Whenever I guide students in understanding the meaning of Islam, I explain that it signifies submission to the will of God, a principle that shapes the lives of Muslims — the followers who worship Allah, seeking guidance and protection from harm. Their spiritual growth comes through reading the Quran, offering supplications, and following the teachings of this holy book to avoid sins and what is forbidden, striving for heaven and a righteous afterlife.
A mosque becomes their place of worship, with the Kaaba, the sacred shrine in Mecca, and Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem holding deep significance. The Prophet’s migration to Medina and the Hadith further guide believers. Daily they pray the five prayers: Fajr at dawn before sunrise, Zuhr at midday, Asr in the afternoon, Maghrib at sunset, and Isha near midnight, preparing for judgment.
The sacred months — Zulkaedah (Dhul-Qa‘dah), Zulhijjah (Dhul-Hijjah), Muharram, and Rejab (Rajab) — are rooted in the Arabic calendar, never altered over time, and they emphasize tolerance towards non-Muslims. Central to Islamic practice are the pillars: Shahada as a declaration of belief, Salat, Zakat, Sawm (fasting in Ramadan), and Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
How Did Islam Operate?
In my academic experience studying global civilizations, I’ve seen how the second-largest faith, with over 1.8 billion followers, expanded across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. From its beginning, the revelation of the words of Allah transformed a persecuted community. Early believers were persecuted in Mecca, but those who believed chose to leave Mecca for Medina, where they were welcomed.
By 630 C.E., Islam became the center of a growing empire, guided by the Rashidun Caliphate, whose conquests reached Baghdad, Jerusalem, Alexandria, North Africa, Western Africa, and even challenged the Byzantine and Persian empires. Under Uthman, the written text of the Quran was standardized for future generations, and magnificent mosques filled the lands of worship.
As the Umayyad Islamic Empire extended to Asia, India, Northern Africa, and parts of Europe, it unified its domains with one currency, one language — Arabic, and advanced systems of measurement. Through the golden age of the Abbasid Dynasty, Islamic civilization reached unmatched heights.
History of Islam
As a historian, I often highlight how Islamic civilization excelled in science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, literature, libraries, schools, arts, and architecture. The Prophet was born in 570 C.E. in Mecca, known widely for his honesty. In 610 C.E., while in a cave, he encountered Gabriel, beginning the revelations that changed the world.
In 622 C.E., the Hijrah — the emigration caused by persecution — marked year one of the Islamic calendar. By 630 C.E., he returned to Mecca peacefully, cleansing the idols from the Kaaba for pure worship. After he passed away in 633 C.E., Abu Bakr became caliph, and by 638 C.E., Islam reached Sham, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq.
In 641 C.E., Egypt fell from Byzantine control, followed by 655 C.E. expansions into North Africa. In 661 C.E., the era of Imam Ali ended the rule of the righteous caliphs, giving rise to the Umayyads. By 711 C.E., Islam reached Spain, India, and the Iberian Peninsula.
In 750 C.E., the Abbasids built Baghdad, and by 1000 C.E., Islam was strong in Nigeria and West Africa. Even during the 1099 C.E. arrival of the Crusaders in Jerusalem, Islamic culture endured. By 1120 C.E., traders spread Islam through Asia and Malaysia. In 1299 C.E., the Ottoman state began in Anatolia, Turkey, later conquering Constantinople in 1453 C.E., renaming it Istanbul.
Islam Number of Followers
From my studies and travels, I saw how Islam became the largest faith after Christianity, the second-largest worldwide, with over 1.8 billion believers. The journey of the Prophet, the revelation, and the message delivered by the angel Jibril spread far beyond Mecca, reaching Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Algeria, and Sudan, shaping cultures across continents.
Islam Place of Worship
Wherever I lectured or visited communities, I found that the place of worship — the mosque (masjid) — remains the heartbeat of Muslim life. Many Muslims study Arabic, browse an Islamic bookstore, purchase from Madinah Media, explore Islamic books, or learn online through publishers like Goodword, engaging in deep Islamic studies that reconnect them with their heritage.
FAQ Answers
Q1: When was the Muslim religion began?
A1: The Muslim religion began in 610 CE when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation from Allah. This moment marks the birth of Islam.
Long explanation: Islam developed gradually as the revelations continued for 23 years, forming the Quran. By the time the message spread across Arabia, it became a complete way of life centered on monotheism, worship, and moral conduct.
Q2: What is the meaning of “Allah”?
A2: “Allah” means the One and Only God in Islam. It refers to the Creator of the universe.
Long explanation: The word Allah is not exclusive to Muslims; Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews also use it for God. In Islam, Allah is the all-powerful, merciful, and eternal Being who has no partners or equals.
Q3: What is the religion of Islam?
A3: Islam is a monotheistic religion that teaches belief in one God (Allah) and following the guidance revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Long explanation: It is a complete way of life that includes worship, ethics, family values, and social justice. Muslims follow the Quran and Sunnah as their foundation for living a balanced and meaningful life.
Q4: What is the true religion of Islam?
A4: The true religion of Islam is the belief in one God and following the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Islam emphasizes peace, justice, mercy, and submission to Allah’s guidance.
Long explanation: Muslims believe Islam is the final and complete message sent to humanity, continuing the teachings of prophets like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. It provides a clear path for spiritual growth and moral living.
Q5: How do Muslims pray?
A5: Muslims pray by performing Salah, which includes standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting while reciting verses from the Quran.
Long explanation: Salah is offered facing the Kaaba in Makkah and is performed five times a day. Each prayer includes specific movements and supplications that connect a Muslim spiritually with Allah.
Q6: Do Muslims say amen?
A6: Yes, Muslims say “Ameen”, which means “O Allah, accept.” It is similar to the Christian and Jewish “Amen.”
Long explanation: Muslims say Ameen after reciting Surah Al-Fatiha in Salah and when making dua. It expresses sincerity and hope that Allah accepts their prayer.
Q7: Why did Muslims pray?
A7: Muslims pray to worship Allah, seek guidance, and stay spiritually connected. Prayer is a command from God and a core pillar of Islam.
Long explanation: Salah brings peace, discipline, and purpose to a believer’s life. It reminds a Muslim of their purpose, keeps the heart pure, and strengthens faith throughout the day.
Q8: What are the 7 steps of wudu?
A8: The 7 basic steps of wudu are:
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Make intention (Niyyah)
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Wash hands
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Rinse mouth
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Rinse nose
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Wash face
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Wash arms
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Wipe head and wash feet
Long explanation:
Wudu is a purification process done before praying. It helps Muslims stay clean and spiritually ready for worship. Completing wudu properly is essential for Salah to be valid.
