c. 570

Birth of Muhammad
Muhammad, the final prophet of Islam, is born in Mecca

610

First Revelations of the Quran
Muhammad is believed to have received his first revelations in a cave near Mecca. These were recorded in the Quran, Islam’s sacred scripture.

613-622

Muhammad's Public Ministry
Muhammad begins to preach monotheism. However, he is largely rejected by the polytheistic culture of Mecca.

632

Death of Muhammad
Muhammad dies at his home in Medina

635-641

Significant Expansion of Islamic Empire
Muslim armies conquer Syria, Persia, Alexandria, and Jerusalem.

1095-1099

The First Crusade is Launched
Christians engage in the first crusade against the Muslims. The Christians eventually accomplish their goal and recapture Jerusalem for Christendom.

1100

The Muslim Population Rises
The Muslims are weakened by internal conflicts as well as the crusade. Muslims now make up roughly 5% of the world’s population.

1145

The Second Crusade is Launched
The second crusade is launched. The Muslims win by resisting a Christian siege of Damascus.

1187

The Third Crusade is Launched
The Muslims recapture Jerusalem from the Christians. The third crusade is launched.

1947

Pakistan is Founded Muslim-majority area in India becomes Pakistan. Riots were caused as millions of Hindus moved to India proper and millions of Muslims moved to the newly established Pakistan.

1948

Israel is Founded
Creation of state of Israel leads to hostility between Muslims and Jews in Palestine. The Arab-Israeli War is fought that same year. As a result of the war, the “Green Line” is established to officially separate Israel from neighboring states.

1965

Malcolm X Killed
Malcolm X, an African-American Muslim and civil rights activist is assassinated.

c. 2000

Muslim Population Increases
The Muslim population grows to 20% of world’s total. Islam thus becomes the second-largest religion in the world.