Muslims believe Islam is not a “new religion” invented in the 7th century. It is the same core message taught by earlier prophets: worship the One God (Allah) and live with justice, mercy, and accountability.
What began publicly with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Makkah around 610 CE was the final revelation of that message—the Quran—completed over about 23 years.
A message with deep roots
In Islamic belief, Adam was the first human and the first prophet. Later prophets—including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them)—called their people to the same foundational truth of tawhid (oneness of God).
So “when Islam began” can mean two things: the timeless faith of submission to God, or the historical period when the final scripture and prophetic example were given to humanity.
From Makkah to the world
After facing intense persecution in Makkah, the early Muslim community migrated to Madinah. From there, Islam spread through teaching, trade, and community life—reaching continents far beyond Arabia within generations.
Today, reading the Quran, learning its meaning, and following prophetic character remain the practical way to connect with that original message.
