The Rise of Islam
A timeline of Islam's emergence and rapid expansion from 570 to 750 CE — from the birth of Muhammad to the Umayyad Caliphate's peak.
Birth of Muhammad
Muhammad ibn Abdullah is born in Mecca to the Quraysh tribe. Orphaned early, he gains a reputation for honesty in the caravan trade.
First Revelations
Muhammad receives the first Quranic revelations in a cave on Mount Hira near Mecca, beginning his prophetic mission.
The Hijra to Medina
Muhammad and his followers emigrate from Mecca to Medina — the hijra marks Year 1 of the Islamic calendar and the birth of the Muslim community.
Conquest of Mecca
Muhammad returns to Mecca with a large army. The city surrenders largely without bloodshed, and the Kaaba is rededicated to monotheistic worship.
Death of Muhammad
Muhammad dies in Medina, leaving no clear successor. The question of leadership triggers the Sunni-Shia divide that persists to this day.
The Rashidun Caliphate
The four 'Rightly Guided' caliphs lead the Muslim community, conquering Syria, Egypt, Persia, and much of the Middle East in a stunning series of campaigns.
Founding of the Umayyad Caliphate
Muawiya I establishes the Umayyad dynasty in Damascus, transforming the caliphate from an elected position to a hereditary monarchy.
Dome of the Rock Completed
The Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik completes the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem — one of Islam's earliest and most iconic architectural achievements.
Muslim Conquest of Iberia
Umayyad forces cross the Strait of Gibraltar and conquer most of the Iberian Peninsula, establishing Al-Andalus.
Battle of Tours
Frankish forces under Charles Martel halt the Muslim advance into Western Europe near Tours, France, marking the rough northern limit of Islamic expansion.
Abbasid Revolution
The Abbasid family overthrows the Umayyads, seizing the caliphate. A surviving Umayyad prince flees to Spain and establishes an independent emirate in Córdoba.