History of Islam

Islam began in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula when the Prophet Muhammad received revelations from God, which formed the Quran. After Muhammad's death in 632, Islam rapidly spread through the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond due to trade, conquest, and missionary efforts. The religion emphasizes monotheism and was formally organized into two main branches: Sunni and Shia, differing primarily in beliefs about leadership. Over centuries, Islam has influenced art, science, law, and culture across diverse regions, becoming one of the world's major religions with over a billion followers today.