Have you ever wondered when and how Islam began? Over a thousand years ago, Allah (SWT) perfected the religion of Islam, and about 1,400 years ago, the Angel Jibreel revealed Allah’s divine words to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Since then, Islam has grown into the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.8 billion followers today.
Understanding how Islam started is important for learning about Allah’s (SWT) teachings and how many people became guided by His wisdom. Let's explore the story of how it all began.
Islam is believed to have started when the Angel Jibreel visited the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Mount Hira in 610 A.D. This is seen as the beginning of Islam, as it marks the first of many revelations that would later become the Qur’an.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in 570 A.D. in Mecca, a city that played a major role in trade. At that time, people in Mecca believed in many gods. However, Muhammad (PBUH) often felt unsure about these beliefs and spent time reflecting alone.
During one of these moments, in the year 610 A.D., the Angel Jibreel visited Muhammad (PBUH) while he was in a cave on Mount Hira. This night, known as Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power), was when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to him. At first, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was unsure of what had happened, but he soon realised that these words were from Allah (SWT). This marked the beginning of Islam, with Muhammad (PBUH) as its final prophet.
As Muhammad (PBUH) began to share the message of Islam, some people in Mecca resisted the new teachings. In 622 A.D., he and his followers migrated to the city of Medina, where they were able to practice Islam freely. This event, known as the Hegira, was a major moment in the spread of Islam.
Six years after leaving Mecca, Muhammad (PBUH) returned peacefully, and many people in the city began to accept Islam.
After the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed away in 632 A.D., Islam continued to grow. His teachings, including the Five Pillars of Islam, became a guide for Muslims all over the world. Today, Islam is followed by people in many countries, and Muslims continue to celebrate special occasions like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Islam’s rich history and teachings have made it one of the most followed and respected religions across the globe.
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