Islamic History

The migration of the Prophet and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the start of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and the first Muslim state.

The dynasty (750-1258 CE) centred in Baghdad that presided over the Islamic Golden Age of science, philosophy, and culture, until the Mongol conquest.

The first major battle of Islam (624 CE), in which a small Muslim force decisively defeated a larger Meccan army — a turning point celebrated in the Quran.

The largely peaceful Muslim entry into Mecca (630 CE), after which the Prophet granted amnesty and cleansed the Kaaba of idols.

The Prophet's only Hajj (632 CE), during which he delivered the Farewell Sermon affirming human equality, sanctity of life, and the completion of the religion.

The Prophet's miraculous Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension through the heavens, during which the five daily prayers were ordained.

A vast Sunni empire (1299-1922 CE) that conquered Constantinople, held the caliphate for centuries, and ruled across three continents.

The era of the four "Rightly Guided" caliphs — Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (632-661 CE) — regarded by Sunnis as a model of Islamic governance.

Muslim-ruled Iberia (711-1492 CE), a renowned centre of learning, architecture, and coexistence, ending with the fall of Granada.

The killing of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet, with his companions at Karbala in 680 CE — a defining tragedy, especially mourned by Shia Muslims.

A decisive battle (c. 636 CE) in which the Rashidun army defeated the Sasanian Persians, opening Iraq and Persia to Islam.

The defence of Medina (627 CE) against a coalition siege, repelled by digging a trench on Salman al-Farsi's advice; also called the Battle of the Confederates.

A battle near Medina (625 CE) in which the Muslims suffered setbacks after some archers left their posts — a lesson in obedience recorded in the Quran.

A decisive battle (636 CE) in which the Rashidun army defeated the Byzantine Empire, securing Muslim control of the Levant.

The first Muslim civil war (656-661 CE), beginning after the killing of Caliph Uthman, which divided the community and reshaped its political future.

The period (roughly 8th-13th centuries CE) of flourishing science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy across the Muslim world, especially under the Abbasids.

The institution of the caliphate — leadership of the Muslim community as successor to the Prophet in worldly governance, headed by a caliph.

A ten-year truce (628 CE) between the Muslims and the Quraysh of Mecca that, despite seeming unfavourable, brought peace and led to mass conversions.

The first hereditary Muslim dynasty (661-750 CE), centred in Damascus, under which Islam expanded from Spain to Central Asia.

The year (c. 570 CE) in which Abraha's army with elephants failed to destroy the Kaaba, recounted in Surah al-Fil; the year of the Prophet's birth.

The dynasty founded by Salah al-Din (Saladin) in the 12th century CE, which united Egypt and Syria and recaptured Jerusalem from the Crusaders.

A battle (630 CE) shortly after the conquest of Mecca, where the Muslims, after an initial rout, rallied to victory over the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif.

A battle of the First Fitna (657 CE) between Caliph Ali and Mu'awiya, ending in arbitration and the emergence of the Kharijite faction.

An Ismaili Shia caliphate (909-1171 CE) ruling North Africa and Egypt, which founded Cairo and the al-Azhar mosque.

A sultanate of soldier-rulers (1250-1517 CE) based in Egypt that halted the Mongol advance at the Battle of Ayn Jalut and protected the holy cities.

A Muslim empire of the Indian subcontinent (1526-1857 CE), renowned for its art and architecture, including the Taj Mahal.

Two pledges (621-622 CE) in which the people of Yathrib (Medina) gave allegiance to the Prophet, paving the way for the Hijra.

The campaigns under Caliph Abu Bakr (632-633 CE) to re-establish authority over Arabian tribes that rebelled or refused zakat after the Prophet's death.

A Turkic Sunni empire (11th-12th centuries CE) that revived Sunni authority, founded major madrasas, and won the Battle of Manzikert against Byzantium.

A series of religious wars (11th-13th centuries CE) in which European armies sought to seize the Holy Land; Jerusalem was eventually recovered by Salah al-Din.