Spread of Islam Timeline Map

1453

622

750

755

1258

661

632

610

Timeline Activity

Spread of Islam

Islam Spreads to Africa

1258

During the 900’s, the city of Cairo became a significant Islamic city for trade. As Islam expanded, Arabic became the dominant language. Moreover, these cities were multi-cultural and allowed for the toleration of Christians and Jews. However, non-Muslims did have to pay a tax. As Islam spread, the Arab identity became less about being born in Arabia as sharing in the religion and culture that originated there. Cairo also became a significant city to the Abbasids, who fled to Egypt in 1258 when the Mongols raided Baghdad. Islam spread further into Africa, setting up another government in Kilwa which became prosperous in its trade in gold and slaves. It also reached south of the Sahara through trade routes. Islam solidified in this region due to the conversion of the ruling class.

Umayyad Dynasty & The Division of Islam

661

Mu’awiya shifted the center of the caliphate to Syria, with Damascus now being the capital. He is part of a famous family in Mecca, the Umayya. This begins the Umayyad Dynasty. He also decided that the position of caliph will be hereditary or inherited. Historians estimate that 62 million people lived under the Umayyad dynasty. Their government was modeled after the Byzantines, who divided their territory into provinces led by governors. They also created common coinage, standardized weights and measures, and made Arabic the official language. When the Umayyad Dynasty rose to power some Muslims challenged whether people not related to Muhammad should be the rightful leader of the empire. People who support the Umayyad dynasty were called Sunni, and believed that rulers did not have to be decendants of Muhmammad. Sunnis make up 90% of Muslims around the world. Some rejected the Umayyads. Instead they supported Ali, the last caliph, and his descendants forming into a separate branch of Islam--known as the Shia or Shiite (shee-ite). The division between Sunnis and Shia still exists today.

Ummayyads Thrive in Spain

755

Muslims began arriving in Spain in 711 C.E. However, when the Umayyads were overthrown, Abd al Rahman fled to Spain in 755 and continued the Umayyad dynasty in Cordoba. Islamic Spain is called “Al-Andalus” known as Andalusia and covered most of the Iberian Peninsula (modern day Spain and Portugal). Under their leadership, Cordoba became one of the most advanced cities in Europe. It had paved streets, running water, and hospitals. Many scholars visited to study medicine, astronomy, and art. Eventually, they were defeated by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Castille in 1492 (who also are famous for funding the voyages of Christopher Columbus).

Mecca

Mecca: The Birthplace of Islam

610

In 570, Muhammad was born in Mecca. into the most powerful tribe, the Quraish, who were successful merchants. In 610, followers of Muhammad believe that the angel Gabriel visited Muhammad while he was meditating in a cave in Mount Hira. There, he experienced the revelations of Allah, or God. Muhammad began to preach throughout the city of Mecca, teaching his followers, called Muslims, that Allah was the only God. He also recognized that other prophets from Christianity such as, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, have proclaimed the same truth. This began the spread of Islam.

The Four Caliphs

632

Upon his death, Abu Bakar, the father of Muhammad’s wife A’isha and a close friend, became the first caliph. The caliph was considered the political and religious leader of the Islamic community and had absolute control over the people. The Islamic community as a whole is called the caliphate. Although short, under his rule, he firmed and expanded Islam’s hold on the rest of Arabia. The Qu’ran was also written down during his reign. In 634, Umar, the father of another one of Muhammad’s wives, assumed power as the second caliph but was quickly assassinated. Uthman, Muhammad’s son-in-law, took over as the third caliph, and expanded Islam’s influence to Africa, Turkey, and Afghanistan. Uthman was also assassinated by political rivals who desired new leadership. One group of Muslims (Shiites or Shia) supported Ali, another son-in-law of Muhammad. He was promoted to the fourth caliph in 656 but spent most of his reign putting down rebellion. In 661, he was also assassinated and replaced by the governor of Syria, Mu’awiya.

The Ottomans & Constantinople

1453

After the Abbassid Dynasty collapsed, the Ottoman Empire rose to expand Muslim rule. In 1453, the young Ottoman sultan (ruler) Mehmet II, also known as Mehmet the Conqueror, led a massive attack on the Byzantine capital of Constantinople. After a relentless bombardment, the Ottomans breached (broke through) the city's walls and poured in, overwhelming the outnumbered Byzantine defenders. The Ottomans took the capital and renamed it Istanbul. Christian churches in the former Byzantine empire such as the Hagia Sophia were transformed into Islamic Mosques-- blending Roman and Islamic influence. The fall of Constantinople marked the collapse of the Byzantine Empire, which had stood for over a thousand years, and led to the rise of the Ottoman Empire as a major power in the region.

Hijrah: The First Hajj

622

In 622, Muhammad traveled from Mecca to Medina with his followers to escape those who wished to kill him, as his teachings made him unpopular with those worshiping the local idols. The journey from Mecca to Medina is called the Hijrah and begins the Islamic calendar, or year 1. While in the city of Medina, he became the political, religious and military leader. He preached about Allah and his teachings would later be written down in the Qu’ran, or the holy book of Islam. After seven years, he returned to Mecca and reclaimed it without resistance.This is considered the first hajj, or pilgrimage. Muhammad died in 632 with Islam spreading rapidly. There is no clear successor, as he was survived by a few daughters but no sons.

The Abbasids & The Golden Age of Islam

750

The Umayyad dynasty faced opposition in the mid-700’s due to conflict between Muslims and non-Muslims. Those who fought against them were the descendants of al-Abbas, the uncle of Muhammad. They took over the caliphate and established the Abbasid dynasty in 750, which lasted until 1258. The remaining members of the Umayyad dynasty were killed. One escaped and continued the Umayyad dynasty in Spain. The Abbasid dynasty moved the capital to Baghdad, located in modern day Iraq. The Abbasid dynasty was considered a golden age. Libraries were built and there were many advances in math, science, and literature. Islam became an international religion, with many Persians also converting. Under the Abbasid dynasty, the caliphate would grow to its widest extent. The empire declined after the city of Baghdad was captured by the Mongols who executed their last caliph.