The religion of Islam, founded by Muhammad, emerged on the Arabian Peninsula in the 600s. According to Muslim tradition, Muhammad was chosen to be the last and greatest prophet of Allah, the one true God. Muhammad devoted his life to spreading Islam. All Muslims embrace five pillars of faith. For Muslims, the Quran is the final authority on all matters of religion and daily life.
Arab armies, inspired by Muhammad's teachings, spread Islam through parts of three continents. In many areas, people welcomed Islamic teachings and the benefits of Muslim rule. After Muhammad's death, a split over leadership arose between the Sunnis and the Shiites. By the 1200s, the Arab empire began to decline due to civil wars and foreign invasions. Even though the empire crumbled, Islam continued to link diverse people across an enormous area.
A vast international trade network helped to support manufacturing and agriculture. During the golden age of Muslim civilization, Muslims of many lands made advances in art, literature, and science. Muslim invasions resulted in the establishment of the Delhi sultanate and Muslim rule over northern India. Some Muslim and Hindu traditions blended, but there were also bloody clashes between the two peoples. Akbar the Great strengthened Muslim rule by instituting a policy of religious toleration. New military technology helped both the Ottomans and the Safavids to create large and powerful empires. Although both empires were united by the beliefs and laws of Islam, at times other religions were tolerated.
Islam arose in the Arabian Peninsula and became one of the world's major religions.
Inspired by Muhammad's teachings, Arab armies spread Islam through parts of three continents.
During the Abbassid golden age, Muslims made advances in economics, art, literature, and science.
Muslim invasions and rule over India led to cultural diffusion, as well as bloody clashes between Muslims and Hindus.
Ottoman and Safavid rulers governed large empires and encouraged cultural achievements.
Arabic calligraphy has developed throughout the years to become an art form in and of itself.