Have you ever wondered, “How old is Islam?”
It is a common question, especially for people who are learning about Islam for the first time. The simple answer is that Islam, as the final revealed message, began with the revelation given to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the 7th century CE, around 610 CE.
However, there is an important point to understand: Muslims believe that the message of Islam did not begin with Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Islam teaches belief in one God and submission to Him, which was also the message taught by earlier prophets.
Let’s explore this in simple terms.
When Did Islam Begin?
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) received his first revelation from Allah around 610 CE while he was in the Cave of Hira near Makkah.
He was about 40 years old at the time.
The first revelation began with the opening verses of Surah Al-Alaq, starting with the command to read:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created.”
This marked the beginning of his prophethood and the revelation of the Quran.
The revelations continued for approximately 23 years, until shortly before the Prophet’s death in 632 CE.
So, Is Islam About 1,400 Years Old?
Yes, if we are talking about the beginning of the final revelation to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
From around 610 CE to today, Islam has a history of approximately 1,400 years.
But Muslims understand Islam as more than a religion that started in the 7th century.
What Does Islam Mean?
The word Islam is connected to the Arabic root associated with peace and submission.
In Islamic understanding, Islam means submitting yourself to Allah and following His guidance.
A Muslim believes in:
- One God, Allah
- Allah’s prophets and messengers
- Allah’s revealed books
- Angels
- The Day of Judgment
- Divine decree
The central idea is simple: worship Allah alone and live according to His guidance.
Did Islam Begin With Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)?
This is where Islamic belief differs from the way history is sometimes presented.
Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was not the first prophet.
Allah sent many prophets before him, including:
- Adam (AS)
- Nuh (Noah) (AS)
- Ibrahim (Abraham) (AS)
- Musa (Moses) (AS)
- Isa (Jesus) (AS)
Muslims believe that all prophets called people to worship the One true God.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was the final Messenger of Allah.
Therefore, Muslims see Islam as the continuation and completion of the same fundamental message of worshipping one God that was taught by the prophets before Muhammad (ﷺ).
What Is the Difference Between Islam’s Message and Its Final Revelation?
Think of it like a teacher giving lessons to students over time.
The core lesson remains the same, but additional guidance may be given at different stages.
According to Islamic belief, Allah sent guidance through different prophets to different communities. The Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), is considered the final revelation and Muhammad (ﷺ) the final prophet.
This is why Muslims believe that the religious message was completed with the Quran and the final prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ).
The Beginning of the Quran’s Revelation
The first revelation is one of the most important moments in Islamic history.
According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was in the Cave of Hira when Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to him and brought revelation from Allah.
The first revealed verses were from Surah Al-Alaq.
This event began a remarkable period of revelation that continued for about 23 years.
During this time, Muslims memorized and recorded the Quran.
Islam in Makkah
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) first preached Islam in Makkah.
The early message focused strongly on:
- Belief in one God
- Rejecting idol worship
- Accountability before Allah
- Helping the poor
- Honesty and good character
- Justice and compassion
The early Muslims faced significant opposition, but the message continued to spread.
The Migration to Madinah
In 622 CE, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers migrated from Makkah to Madinah.
This migration is known as the Hijrah.
It was such an important event that the Islamic calendar begins with the Hijrah.
In Madinah, the Muslim community developed into an organized society, and Islam continued to spread.
Islam Today
Today, Islam is practiced by Muslims throughout the world.
Muslims from different countries, cultures, and languages share the same fundamental beliefs and the Five Pillars of Islam:
- Shahadah – Declaration of faith
- Salah – Five daily prayers
- Zakah – Giving charity
- Sawm – Fasting during Ramadan
- Hajj – Pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able
These pillars provide a foundation for Muslim religious life.
Why Is Understanding Islamic History Important?
Knowing the history of Islam helps Muslims and non-Muslims understand where Islamic beliefs and practices come from.
It also helps explain why:
- Muslims pray five times a day
- Muslims fast during Ramadan
- Muslims read the Quran
- Muslims follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
- Muslims believe in all of Allah’s prophets
History gives context to religious beliefs and practices.
A Simple Timeline
Here’s a quick overview:
Before 610 CE
Many prophets were sent according to Islamic belief, including Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa (peace be upon them).
Around 570 CE
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born in Makkah.
Around 610 CE
The first revelation of the Quran was received.
622 CE
The Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah took place.
632 CE
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) passed away after the completion of his prophetic mission.
Today
Islam is practiced by Muslims around the world.
Final Thoughts
So, how old is Islam?
If we are referring to the beginning of the Quran’s revelation to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Islam’s final revelation began around 610 CE, making it approximately 1,400 years old.
At the same time, Muslims believe that the fundamental message of Islam—worshipping one God and submitting to Him—was taught by the prophets throughout human history.
Understanding this distinction makes it easier to understand how Muslims view Islam: not simply as a religion that appeared in the 7th century, but as the final and complete form of the message of worshipping one God.
Whether you are a beginner, a parent teaching your children, or someone simply interested in learning about Islam, understanding its history is an important first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Islam?
The final revelation of Islam began around 610 CE with Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). That makes the history of Islam’s final revelation approximately 1,400 years old.
Who founded Islam?
Muslims do not consider Islam to have been founded by a human being. They believe Islam is the religion revealed by Allah and that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was His final Messenger.
Who was the first prophet in Islam?
Muslims believe Adam (AS) was the first prophet.
Who was the last prophet in Islam?
Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was the final prophet and Messenger of Allah.
When did the Quran begin to be revealed?
The Quran began to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) around 610 CE.
What is the Hijrah?
The Hijrah refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. It marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
