Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE, specifically around 610 CE, in Mecca. His teachings are encapsulated in the Koran, the holy book of Islam, which forms the foundation of Islamic belief and practice. Islam rapidly expanded following Muhammad's death, profoundly impacting the cultures and politics of the regions it reached.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who Founded Islam and When?
Islam was founded by Muhammad around the year 610 CE. Muhammad was a merchant from the city of Mecca, which is now located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. At about 40 years of age, he reportedly received revelations from the angel Gabriel. Muhammad's teachings were later compiled into Islam's holy scripture, the Koran, which remains the central text for Muslims worldwide. By the time of his death in 632 CE, Islam had become well-established on the Arabian Peninsula and subsequently spread rapidly across other regions.
As the religion grew, it brought about significant cultural and political changes in the areas it reached, including the establishment of several caliphates. A caliphate is an area under the control of a Muslim ruler, known as a caliph. The early expansion of Islam was characterized by conquests and the spread of Islamic principles, leading to the rise of great civilizations and scholarly advancement, particularly during the European Middle Ages.
The essence of Islamic belief is monotheism, with Allah (God) as the singular divine entity and Muhammad as his final prophet. Islam's roots are in the same monotheistic tradition as Judaism and Christianity, and it acknowledges prophets from these religions, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. However, in Islam, Muhammad is seen as the last prophet, completing God's message to humanity.