When did Islam come about?

In a Nutshell: Islam, as a faith and a way of life, is understood to have begun with the first divine revelation of the Quran to the Prophet (pbuh) in the cave of Hira, on the outskirts of Mecca, in 610 CE. This marked a pivotal moment in history, initiating a new religious tradition that would transform Arabia and ultimately spread across the globe. The core principles of Islam presented by the Prophet (pbuh) emphasize belief in one God (Allah), the importance of prayer, charitable giving, fasting during Ramadan and performing pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). Introduction The origins of Islam are intrinsically tied to the life and mission of the Prophet (pbuh). Born in Mecca around 570 CE into the Quraysh tribe, he was known for his honesty, trustworthiness and contemplative nature. The first revelation of the Quran occurred in 610 CE when the angel Gabriel (Jibril) appeared to him and revealed the divine word of Allah (swt). This event marked the beginning of Islam as a distinct religion and the start of the Prophet's (pbuh) mission to spread the message of monotheism and submission to God. In the coming sections, we will explore the historical and scriptural evidence that helps us understand when Islam began, as well as address common misconceptions and objections related to its origins. Evidences The question of when Islam began can be explored through several forms of evidence found in Islamic tradition. Let's consider some key examples: Quranic Verses Surah Al-Alaq (96: 1-5):Read in the name of your Lord who created - Created man from a clinging substance. Read and your Lord is the most Generous - Who taught by the pen - Taught man that which he knew not. (96:1-5) Surah Al-Muddathir (74:1-7):O you who wraps himself [in clothing], Arise and warn. And your Lord glorify. And your clothing purify. And uncleanliness avoid. And do not confer favor to acquire more. (74:1-7) Surah Al-Fatiha (1:1-7)In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, [All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds - The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. It is You we worship and You we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path - The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray." (1:1-7) Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4): Say, He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent. (112:1-4) Hadiths Sahih al-Bukhari:Narrated Aisha (ra): The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Messenger (pbuh) was in the form of good dreams... Then the angel came to him and said, 'Read!' The Prophet (pbuh) replied, 'I do not know how to read.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1:1:3) Sahih Muslim:...The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet (pbuh) replied, 'I do not know how to read.' ...The angel embraced him tightly and then released him and said 'Read!' (Sahih Muslim 1:301) Sunan Ibn Majah:'Umar ibn Al-Khattab (ra) said, 'While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) one day, a man appeared before us... He said, 'O Messenger of Allah! Inform me about Islam.' The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, '... To testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to pay zakat, to fast Ramadan and to perform pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 1:40) Companions' Opinions Abdullah ibn Masud (ra):A companion of the Prophet (pbuh) known for his knowledge of the Quran, stated that the first verses revealed in Mecca were those from Surah Al-Muddathir. Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra):The cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet (pbuh) described the early days of Islam, explaining that the Prophet (pbuh) used to pray in secret initially. Abu Bakr (ra):The first adult male convert to Islam and a close confidant of the Prophet (pbuh) witnessed the beginnings of Islam and the challenges faced by the early believers. Yes, Here's the next section and I will continue to ensure that I'm strictly following all your instructions. When Did Islam Come About? The traditional Islamic narrative, supported by historical and scriptural evidence, places the beginnings of Islam in the early 7th century CE, with the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet (pbuh) in the cave of Hira near Mecca in 610 CE. This pivotal event marked the inception of a new religious tradition that emphasized monotheism, surrender to the will of Allah (swt) and social justice. The initial period of Islam in Mecca was characterized by a small, close-knit community of believers, facing persecution and hardship due to their rejection of the prevailing polytheistic beliefs. The Prophet (pbuh) tirelessly preached the message of Islam, emphasizing the oneness of God and the importance of righteous conduct. In 622 CE, the Prophet (pbuh) and his followers migrated to the city of Medina, an event known as the Hijra. The Hijra marks a significant turning point in Islamic history, as it established a base for the consolidation and expansion of the early Muslim community. In Medina, the Prophet (pbuh) founded the first Islamic state, establishing principles of governance, social welfare and interfaith relations. The revelations received by the Prophet (pbuh) throughout his mission were compiled into the Quran, considered by Muslims to be the verbatim word of Allah (swt). The Quran provides a comprehensive guide for both religious and ethical life, addressing matters of faith, worship, law, morality and social justice. Furthermore, the Sunnah, composed of the Prophet's teachings, actions and approvals as recorded in the hadith collections, offers further elaboration on the principles and practices of Islam. The historical trajectory of Islam and its founding principles are widely accepted by traditional scholars of Islam. Their meticulous study of the Quran, hadith and early Islamic history reinforces the understanding that Islam originated in 7th century Arabia, ushered in through the revelations to the Prophet (pbuh).