Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad in 7th-century Arabia, and is the second-largest religion in the world by number of adherents.
A revelation received in a quiet cave outside Mecca would, within just a century of the Prophet Muhammad's death, spread across three continents.
Revelation in the Cave of Hira
Muslims believe the Quran, Islam's central religious text, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel over approximately 23 years, beginning around 610 CE while Muhammad was meditating in a cave near Mecca.
From Persecution to the Hijra
Muhammad's early teachings faced fierce opposition in Mecca, forcing him and his followers to migrate to the city of Medina in 622 CE — an event known as the Hijra, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
The Five Pillars
Central to Islamic practice are the Five Pillars: the declaration of faith (shahada), five daily prayers (salat), charitable giving (zakat), fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) at least once for those who are physically and financially able.
Rapid Early Expansion
Following Muhammad's death in 632 CE, Islam spread with remarkable speed across the Middle East, North Africa, and into parts of Asia and Europe within just a century, driven by both military conquest and the appeal of its message and trade networks.
A Global Religion Today
Islam today has over 1.9 billion adherents worldwide, with major branches including Sunni Islam, the largest denomination, and Shia Islam, which developed from an early dispute over Muhammad's rightful successor.
