Islamic History

The branch of Islamic Studies deals with the history of Islam and its impact on the world.

Where do most historians believe Islam originated and when?

"Most historians believe that Islam originated in Mecca and Medina at the start of the 7th century CE."

Whom do Muslims regard Islam as a return to?

"Muslims regard Islam as a return to the original faith of the Abrahamic prophets, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus."

When did Muhammad begin receiving what Muslims consider divine revelations?

"Muhammad began receiving what Muslims consider to be divine revelations in 610 CE."

What were the main aspects of Muhammad's message?

"Muhammad's message called for submission to the one God, the expectation of the imminent Last Judgement, and caring for the poor and needy."

When did Muhammad migrate from Mecca to Medina?

"In 622 CE, Muhammad migrated to the city of Yathrib (now known as Medina)."

What disagreement arose after Muhammad's death?

"With the death of Muhammad in 632 CE, disagreement broke out over who would succeed him as leader of the Muslim community during the Rāshidūn Caliphate."

What were the early Muslim conquests responsible for?

"The early Muslim conquests were responsible for the spread of Islam."

How far did the Umayyad Caliphate extend by the 8th century CE?

"By the 8th century CE, the Umayyad Caliphate extended from Muslim Iberia in the west to the Indus River in the east."

Which empires significantly contributed to technological and administrative developments?

"Polities such as those ruled by the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, the Fatimids, Seljuks, Ayyubids, and Mamluks were among the most influential powers in the world."

What did the Islamic Golden Age give rise to?

"The Islamic Golden Age gave rise to many centers of culture and science and produced notable polymaths, astronomers, mathematicians, physicians, and philosophers during the Middle Ages."

Which dynasties conquered parts of Anatolia and northern India?

"The Delhi Sultanate conquered the northern Indian subcontinent, while Turkic dynasties like the Sultanate of Rum and Artuqids conquered much of Anatolia from the Byzantine Empire."

What weakened the traditional centers of the Muslim world in the 13th and 14th centuries?

"Destructive Mongol invasions and those of Tamerlane (Timur) from the east, along with the loss of population due to the Black Death, greatly weakened the traditional centers of the Muslim world."

Which major global economic powers emerged during this time?

"The Timurid Renaissance and major global economic powers such as the Mali Empire in West Africa and the Bengal Sultanate in South Asia."

What happened to Islamic Iberia during the Reconquista?

"Islamic Iberia was gradually conquered by Christian forces during the Reconquista."

Which states emerged as world powers in the early modern period?

"The states of the Age of the Islamic Gunpowders—Ottoman Turkey, Mughal India, and Safavid Iran—emerged as world powers."

What happened to the Muslim world during the 19th and early 20th centuries?

"During the 19th and early 20th centuries, most of the Muslim world fell under the influence or direct control of the European Great Powers."

Which regions continue to be conflict zones today?

"Efforts to win independence and build modern nation-states over the course of the last two centuries continue to reverberate to the present day, as well as fuel conflict-zones in regions such as Palestine, Kashmir, Xinjiang, Chechnya, Central Africa, Bosnia, and Myanmar."

Which countries form the Gulf Cooperation Council?

"The Arab States of the Gulf Cooperation Council comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates."

What made the Arab States of the Gulf Cooperation Council major oil producers and exporters?

"The oil boom stabilized the Arab States of the Gulf Cooperation Council, making them the world's largest oil producers and exporters."

What aspects do the Arab States of the Gulf Cooperation Council focus on?

"The Arab States of the Gulf Cooperation Council focus on capitalism, free trade, and tourism." Please note that the quotes provided are paraphrased for brevity and clarity.