The Beginning of Islam
Islam as a formal religion began in the 7th century CE, specifically in 610 CE, when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation from Allah through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the Cave of Hira, near Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia. However, from the Islamic perspective, Islam is considered a continuation of the monotheistic tradition that began with the first human being, Adam, who is regarded as the first prophet. In this sense, Islam views itself not as a new religion, but as a restoration of the original faith that Allah revealed to previous prophets like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
Pre-Islamic Arabia
Before the advent of Islam, the Arabian Peninsula was largely polytheistic, with various tribes worshipping idols and engaging in different cultural practices. Mecca was a significant trade center and also housed the Kaaba, a sanctuary that was a pilgrimage site for polytheists, where they would come to venerate their deities. However, there were also small groups of Jews, Christians, and monotheists known as "Hanifs" who believed in one God.
The First Revelation
In 610 CE, Prophet Muhammad, who was known for his honesty and moral integrity, would often retreat to the Cave of Hira to meditate. It was during one of these retreats that the angel Jibreel appeared to him, conveying the first verses of what would later be compiled into the Quran:
"Read! In the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not." (Quran 96:1-5)
This marked the beginning of Muhammad’s prophethood and the formal revelation of Islam. Initially, the message was shared privately, and only close family and friends, like his wife Khadijah and his cousin Ali, embraced the faith.
Early Challenges and Growth
As Prophet Muhammad began to spread the message of Islam publicly in Mecca, he faced significant opposition from the Quraysh, the dominant tribe in the city. The Quraysh saw Islam as a threat to their traditional religious practices and their social and economic power. Muhammad’s teachings about monotheism, equality, and social justice challenged the tribal and hierarchical structure of Meccan society.
Despite the persecution, the message of Islam slowly gained followers, particularly among the poor, slaves, and those marginalized by society. This early period of Islam is known as the "Meccan Period" and lasted for about 13 years.
The Hijra and Establishment of the Muslim Community
In 622 CE, due to increasing persecution, Prophet Muhammad and his followers were invited to the city of Yathrib (later known as Medina), where they could practice Islam freely. This migration is known as the Hijra, and it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Islam flourished, and the first Muslim community, or Ummah, was established.
Prophet Muhammad not only became a religious leader but also a political leader, setting up a model for governance based on Islamic principles. Over the next few years, Islam spread across the Arabian Peninsula, and eventually, Mecca itself was conquered by the Muslims in 630 CE. The Kaaba was cleansed of idols, and it became the central place of worship for Muslims, as it remains today.
Conclusion
Although Islam as a formal religion began with the prophethood of Muhammad in the 7th century CE, Muslims believe that it is the final revelation in a long chain of monotheistic faiths that started with Adam. The early years of Islam were marked by challenges and resistance, but through perseverance, faith, and divine guidance, the religion grew and eventually became a major force in the region and, later, the world. Islam continues to influence billions of people globally and remains a comprehensive guide for both personal and societal life.