Mapping the Spread of Islam Across the World: A Historical Journey

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Islam is one of the world’s major monotheistic religions, founded in the 7th century by the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia. It emphasizes submission to the will of Allah (God), with core beliefs encapsulated in the Five Pillars: faith, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and pilgrimage. As the second-largest religion globally, Islam has a profound cultural, political, and social influence on over 1.9 billion followers.

The Historical Spread of Islam

The thematic world map below, created by the oerproject team illustrates the historical spread of Islam across different regions and periods.

The legend, represented in varying shades of green and yellow, highlights significant conquests and expansions:

Legend:

• Darkest Green: Conquests of Muhammad (622-632)
• Dark Green: Conquests of Abu Bakr (632-634)
• Green: Conquests of Omar (634-644)
• Light Green: Conquests of Othman and Ali (644-661)
• Lightest Green: Conquests of the Umayyad Caliphate (661-750)
• Dark Yellow: Spread of Islam (750-1300)
• Light Yellow: Spread of Islam (1300-1700)
• Red Hatched Area: Regions where Islam was pushed out after the Reconquista, 1492

Periods:

• Core Expansion (622-661): The core regions where Islam initially spread during and immediately after the life of Muhammad, including the Arabian Peninsula, parts of the Middle East, and North Africa.
• Further Expansion (661-750): Expansion under the Umayyad Caliphate, reaching into Spain, Central Asia, and further into North Africa.
• Continued Spread (750-1700): The ongoing spread of Islam into Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia through trade, conquests, and missionary activities.
• Reconquista Impact (1492): The regions in Spain and Portugal where Islam was pushed out after the Reconquista, culminating in 1492.

Timeline of Islam’s Spread

7th Century:

• 610: Muhammad receives the first revelation in Mecca.
• 622: Hijra (migration) to Medina, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.
• 630: Mecca is conquered by Muhammad.
• 632: Death of Muhammad; Abu Bakr becomes the first Caliph.

8th to 11th Century:

• Early 8th Century: Islamic expansion into the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal).
• 750: The Umayyad Caliphate was replaced by the Abbasid Caliphate.
• 11th Century: Seljuk Turks adopted Islam and expanded into Anatolia.

12th to 15th Century:

• 12th Century: Spread of Islam in West Africa through trade and missionary work.
• 1299: Rise of the Ottoman Empire, further spreading Islam into Southeastern Europe.
• 1492: Completion of the Reconquista; Muslims expelled from Spain.

16th to 19th Century:

• 16th Century: Islam spreads in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.
• 18th Century: The rise of Islamic reform movements, including Wahhabism in the Arabian Peninsula.

20th Century to Present:

• Early 20th Century: Islamic revivalist movements gain momentum.
• Mid-20th Century: Decolonization leads to the formation of new Muslim-majority states.
• 21st Century: Islam has become one of the fastest-growing religions globally, with significant Muslim populations in Europe and the Americas.

The Division of Islam

The division of Islam into different branches primarily occurred after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. The two main branches, Sunni and Shia, emerged due to a dispute over the rightful successor to Muhammad. Sunnis believed that the community should select the next leader, leading to the appointment of Abu Bakr, while Shias believed that leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, supporting Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law.

Sunni Islam, the largest branch, comprises about 85-90% of Muslims. Shia Islam represents about 10-15% of Muslims, with significant populations in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon. There are also smaller sects within Islam, such as the Ibadi, primarily found in Oman, and the Ahmadiyya, which originated in the Indian subcontinent in the late 19th century.

The division into Sunni and Shia has profound theological, political, and cultural implications, influencing the history and dynamics of the Muslim world.

Factors Behind the Successful Spread of Islam

Islam’s successful spread can be attributed to several factors:

1. Military Conquests: Early Islamic conquests rapidly expanded the territory under Muslim control.
2. Trade: Muslim traders significantly spread Islam, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
3. Missionary Work: Sufi missionaries were instrumental in spreading Islam through their inclusive and mystical practices.
4. Social and Political Structure: The establishment of Islamic governance provided stability and attracted non-Muslims to convert.

For those interested in exploring more about the spread of Islam and related topics, consider these recommended items available on Amazon:

• Islam: A Short History: A concise and accessible introduction to the history of Islam by Karen Armstrong.
• The Oxford History of Islam: A comprehensive history of Islam from its origins to the modern era.
• Rand McNally Classic World Map Poster: A detailed and educational world map poster perfect for studying historical expansions and cultural influences.