Areas Ruled by Muslims

September 6, 2022 Alex

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Islam is one of the world’s major monotheistic religions, with over a billion followers, known as Muslims. It was founded in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula by the Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims believe received revelations from God, which were compiled into the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The central teachings of Islam revolve around the belief in one God (Allah in Arabic), the importance of prayer, charity, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, and the goal of living a just and ethical life. Islam also emphasizes the concept of submission to God’s will, which is the literal meaning of the word “Islam.” It has a rich history, diverse cultures, and various schools of thought, making it a significant force in the world’s religious and cultural landscape.

Table of Contents

When Did Islam Begin?
The Spread of Islam Around the World
The Countries with the Largest Muslim Populations

When Did Islam Begin?

Islam emerged in the 7th century CE (Common Era) in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically in the city of Mecca, which is located in present-day Saudi Arabia. The emergence of Islam is closely associated with the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad received revelations from God (Allah in Arabic) through the angel Gabriel over 23 years. These revelations were eventually compiled into the Quran, the holy book of Islam.

The precise date traditionally considered as the beginning of Islam is the year 610 CE when Muhammad received his first revelation at the age of 40 while meditating in a cave outside Mecca. This event is known as the first revelation or the beginning of Muhammad’s prophethood.

Over the next two decades, Muhammad continued to receive revelations, and he began preaching the message of Islam to the people of Mecca. The core teachings of Islam emphasized the belief in one God (monotheism), the importance of ethical conduct and social justice, and the call to worship and submit to God’s will.

In 622 CE, due to persecution and opposition in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city of Yathrib, later known as Medina, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad established a community and continued to spread the message of Islam. Over the years, Islam gained followers, both in the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.

Muhammad’s death in 632 CE marked the end of his prophethood, but Islam continued to spread rapidly under the leadership of his successors, known as the Caliphs. The expansion of Islam eventually led to the formation of a vast Islamic civilization, including the establishment of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, which played significant roles in the history of the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia.

The Spread of Islam Around the World

The spread of Islam around the world is a complex historical process that occurred over centuries through a combination of military conquest, trade, cultural diffusion, and missionary activities. Here is an overview of how Islam spread to different regions:

Arabian Peninsula: After the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, his immediate successors, known as the Caliphs, embarked on a series of military campaigns known as the Islamic Conquests (or the Rashidun Caliphate) to spread Islam. They rapidly expanded the Muslim empire into the surrounding regions, including the Byzantine and Sassanian Empires. The spread continued under the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, leading to the Arabization and Islamization of these areas.
North Africa: Arab forces quickly conquered North Africa, including Egypt, in the 7th century. The spread of Islam in North Africa was facilitated by trade routes and the presence of indigenous Berber populations, many of whom converted to Islam.
Spain and Portugal: The Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula (Al-Andalus) began in 711 CE and resulted in the establishment of a Muslim state in Spain that lasted for several centuries. Al-Andalus was known for its cultural achievements and religious tolerance. It eventually fell to Christian Reconquista forces in the late 15th century.
Central Asia and India: Islamic armies and traders expanded eastward into Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The spread of Islam in these regions often occurred through peaceful means, such as trade networks and the efforts of Sufi mystics who attracted followers. The Delhi Sultanate in India was one of the early Muslim dynasties.
East Asia: Islam reached Southeast Asia, China, and the Philippines through trade routes and interactions with Arab and Indian traders. In Southeast Asia, many regions adopted Islam gradually, alongside indigenous religious practices.
West Africa: Trade routes across the Sahara Desert played a significant role in spreading Islam to West Africa. The Mali and Songhai Empires, among others, converted to Islam and became centers of Islamic scholarship.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Islam spread further south in Africa through trade, migration, and the influence of Islamic scholars and merchants. Regions like East Africa and the Swahili Coast adopted Islam and became deeply integrated into local cultures.
Southeastern Europe: The Ottoman Empire, which emerged in the 14th century, expanded into southeastern Europe and reached as far as Vienna, Austria. Islam was a significant part of the Ottoman identity and was influential in the Balkans and parts of southeastern Europe.
South Asia: The Mughal Empire, founded in the 16th century, played a crucial role in spreading Islam in the Indian subcontinent. However, Hinduism remained the majority religion, and the two coexisted with varying degrees of tension and harmony.

In the modern era, Muslim immigration, missionary work, and the global spread of Islamic ideas through media and communication have contributed to the presence of Islam in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Oceania. Islam has become one of the world’s major religions, with over a billion followers worldwide.

The animated world map below shows areas ruled by Muslims from 1650 to 2023. During this time, the Islamic world has experienced significant changes, including the rise and fall of empires, colonialism, decolonization, and modernization.

The Countries with the Largest Muslim Populations

The most populous Muslim countries in the world are characterized by significant Muslim majorities and diverse cultures. Indonesia holds the distinction of having the largest Muslim population globally, with over 230 million Muslims. Pakistan follows closely behind with more than 200 million Muslims, while India boasts one of the largest Muslim populations, with over 190 million adherents, alongside its rich religious diversity.