Islamic civilisation began on the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century CE with the coming of Islam. It grew from the teachings brought by the Prophet Muhammad SAW and spread to become one of the greatest civilisations in world history.
The Coming of Islam
The Prophet Muhammad SAW was born in Mecca around 570 CE. At about the age of 40, he began to receive revelation, and he called the people to worship one God and to live justly. These teachings became the religion of Islam. At first he faced strong opposition in Mecca.
In 622 CE the Prophet SAW and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina. This migration is called the Hijrah, and it marks the start of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. In Medina a united Muslim community was formed.
Growth into a Civilisation
From Medina, Islam spread across the Arabian Peninsula. After the Prophet SAW, Muslim leaders and later empires carried Islam to many lands, including Persia, Egypt, North Africa and Spain. Along the way a rich civilisation developed, with:
- Great cities such as Baghdad and Cordoba as centres of learning.
- Advances in science, medicine, mathematics and architecture.
- The Arabic language as a language of knowledge and trade.
Key idea
The Hijrah in 622 CE — the migration to Medina — is a turning point that marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the growth of the Muslim community.