The history of Islam began in the 7th century AD in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, through revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Islam developed rapidly from the Arabian Peninsula through the time of Khulafaur Rasyidin, the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, spreading to Africa, Europe and Asia. This religion became a great civilization with contributions to science, art and trade.
The Beginning of Islam (7th Century AD) Birth and Revelation:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW was born in Mecca (570 AD). In 610 AD, he received the first revelation from Allah SWT through the Angel Gabriel in the Hira Cave at the age of 40. Da'wah in
Mecca:
Muhammad preached about monotheism (the oneness of Allah). At first secretly, then openly, facing the rejection of the Quraysh.
Hijrah (622 AD):
Due to oppression, the Prophet Muhammad and his followers moved to Medina. This year marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and the formation of an organized Muslim community (Ummah).
The Era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (632-661 CE) After the Prophet's death, leadership was continued by four key
companions:
Abu Bakr As-Siddiq:
Overcoming the apostates and achieving initial stability. Umar ibn Khattab: Massive expansion into Persia, Syria, and Egypt.
Uthman ibn Affan:
Codification of the Quran (Uthmani Mushaf).
Ali ibn Abi Talib:
Facing slander and internal civil war.
The Caliphate and Territorial Expansion Umayyad Dynasty (661-750 CE): Headquartered in Damascus, it expanded Islam to Spain (Europe) in the west and India in the east. Arabic was made the official language of government.
Abbasid Dynasty (750-1258 CE): Headquartered in Baghdad. This period is known as the Islamic Golden Age, during which science, philosophy, astronomy, and medicine flourished.
The Spread of Islam Throughout the World Islam spread not only through conquest, but also trade, missionary and cultural routes.
Southeast Asia: Entered the Indonesian archipelago through Muslim traders, which later developed through the role of the Walisongo (Nine Saints). Central Asia and China: Via the Silk Road. Africa: Spread to North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa via trade routes.
Challenges and the Modern Era (19th Century - Present) The Islamic world experienced political decline and faced Western colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, Muslim countries fought to maintain their Islamic identity. Today, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world with over 1.8 billion followers.
Contributions of Islamic Civilization Islamic civilization made significant contributions to human civilization:
Science:
Al-Khwarizmi (Algebra), Ibn Sina (Medicine), Al-Razi. Art and
Architecture:
Calligraphy, mosques with stunning architecture such as the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.
Main Principles of Islam Islam is based on six main principles, known as the Pillars of Islam:
Creed: Acknowledging the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Prayer:
Praying five times a day and night.
Zakat:
Giving part of one's wealth to those who are entitled to it.
Fasting:
Performing fasting during the month of Ramadan.
Hajj:
Performing the pilgrimage to Baitullah in Mecca once in a lifetime for those who are able.
Islamic Civilization Islamic civilization encompasses all aspects of human life, including science, art, architecture, commerce, and government. The rise of Islamic civilization has made significant contributions to human progress in various fields.
Science and Education Islamic civilization has a rich and productive scientific tradition. During its heyday, Muslim scientists such as Ibn Sina, Al-Khwarizmi, and Al-Razi made significant advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. Universities such as the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Fes, Morocco, are among the oldest in the world, founded by a Muslim scholar in the 9th century.
Architecture and Art Islamic civilization is also known for its magnificent architectural beauty and intricate carvings. Examples include the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, which serve as spiritual centers for Muslims worldwide. Furthermore, Islamic calligraphy is highly valued for its ability to convey the beauty of Arabic script in an aesthetically pleasing form.
(According to the official article or journal of Darul Abror IBS)
Religion is the name of the central mission carried out by all prophets. Therefore, prophecy and religion are two inseparable aspects. The existence of prophets is not only based on God's grace and mercy, but also a consequence of human immaturity in ethical perception and motivation. Before religion was revealed to mankind, Allah SWT had prepared humans to bring His revelation to the world. These chosen people were not only mediators between humans and God, but also had the responsibility and duty to spread the message. The chosen people are referred to in the Quran as prophets and messengers. The task of a prophet is to bring good news from God. This is good news for those who fulfill God's commands and bad news for those who disobey God. Based on this, the terms "bearer of good tidings" (bashir) and "warner" (nadr) frequently appear in the Quran. However, prophets and messengers do not function as "explainers of future events." The Prophet was an extraordinary person. His sensitivity, strength, and tenacity were unmatched. The problems that arose in society were an area of constant concern for him. On the other hand, the obligation to keep records had to be fulfilled without hesitation at all times and under all circumstances. They often had to endure humiliation and torture, including expulsion from their communities. The closer the Prophet was to Allah, the more severe the trials he would face. He had to face all this without fear or despair; he had to fulfill his mission. He had to gain the support of his people. Without this success, the message of Allah SWT that he brought would have been torn from the face of the earth. Of course, the success of these missions varies greatly. Some are small, like the mission of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him), some are very large, some are fast, some are very slow, and some are very fast, like the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
(According to the official article or journal of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra)
