Rise and Spread of Islam

Islam was founded by the prophet Muhammad in the year 610 C.E. in Mecca. He came forth with his teachings after apparently receiving visions from an angel. He began to preach about these visions and his teachings eventually became the Quran. Him and his family were forced to flee to Medina after Mecca's leader thought that Muhammad's teachings would take away their power. After Muhammad's death much debate was made over who would take over the Islam community. The caliphs who were chosen to take over began military campaigns to spread the reach of Islam. They were able to conquer much of the Middle East, northern Africa, southern Europe, and Spain. The spread of Islam was helped by the Muslim men moving into newly conquered lands and marrying local women. Their children would then be raised in the Islamic faith.