When Was Islam Founded – ?UK Guide
For many Muslims in the UK, especially non-Arabic speakers who are eager to learn the Quran and Arabic, understanding the origins of Islam is more than just history — it is a way to connect with faith and identity. Islam began in the 7th century in Makkah, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation of the Quran in Arabic.
This guide will take you through the founding of Islam, why learning Arabic is key to understanding the Quran, and how Muslims living in Britain today can strengthen their spiritual and cultural roots.
Every great story begins somewhere, and the story of Islam is no exception. It begins with a question that continues to spark curiosity around the world: how and when was Islam founded?
This question opens the door to a remarkable journey that started more than 1,400 years ago and today connects over 1.8 billion people through shared belief, purpose, and faith. The story of Islam, starting from a profound moment of revelation in a quiet cave and evolving into the formation of a worldwide community, is both timeless and deeply impactful.
In this blog, we will explore When Was Islam Founded – UK Guide, the life of Prophet Muhammad before revelation, the key events that shaped the early Muslim community, and how a single message grew into a lasting legacy.
Arabia before Islam: religious and social context
Before the emergence of Islam, the Arabian Peninsula was a land shaped by tribal loyalty, oral tradition, and religious pluralism. Society was organized into tribes that often competed or clashed, with honor and lineage forming the backbone of identity.From an economic perspective, places like Mecca flourished as important trading centers and religious destinations. They drew pilgrims to the Kaaba, a site that contained numerous idols representing a variety of gods. Spiritually, the landscape was diverse, while polytheism dominated, there were also communities of Jews and Christians. Despite rich cultural expression through poetry and storytelling, this era was also marked by deep social inequalities, especially in the treatment of women and enslaved people. This complex environment set the stage for the unifying and transformative message of Islam.
Prophet Muhammad’s life before revelation
When Was Islam Founded – UK Guide? Born in 570 CE In Mecca Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) belonged to the Quraysh tribe, one of the most respected and influential tribes in Arabia. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his grandfather and then his uncle, Abu Talib, who supported and protected him. As he grew, Muhammad gained widespread respect for his integrity, earning the title “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy) due to his honesty, fairness, and strong moral character.
Long before the first revelation, there were several signs in his life that hinted at a divine destiny.
Early sign of Prophethood
- His rejection of idol worship: Despite growing up in a polytheistic society, he never participated in idol worship or pagan rituals.
- His commitment to justice: He took part in the noble Hilf al-Fudul pact, which aimed to protect the rights of the oppressed in Meccan society.
- His habit of solitary reflection: He often retreated to the Cave of Hira, seeking solitude and truth, away from the distractions of Meccan life.
- His encounter with Bahira the Monk: When Muhammad was young, he went on a caravan trip to Syria with his uncle, Abu Talib. On this journey, they met a Christian monk named Bahira. The monk recognized special signs in the boy that matched descriptions of a prophet in older religious texts. He then advised Muhammad’s uncle to keep a close eye on him and protect him.
These and other moments were not mere coincidences but reflected a pattern of spiritual readiness and divine preparation.
When Was Islam Founded – UK Guide: The first revelation of Islam
The founding moment of Islam is traditionally traced to the year 610 CE, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation from Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the Cave of Hira, near Mecca. This profound encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong mission and the foundation of the Qur’an, revealed over the next 23 years. It was a moment that shifted the course of history, transforming personal spiritual reflection into a global message of monotheism, justice, and mercy.
Though the revelation in 610 CE represents the spiritual birth of Islam, its full development unfolded gradually. The early years in Mecca were marked by quiet preaching, deep resistance, and steady growth while later milestones, such as the Hijrah and the consolidation of the Muslim community, gave Islam its social and political structure.
The spread of Islam in Mecca and early opposition
In its earliest years, Islam spread quietly among close friends and relatives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Initially, the Quraysh tribe responded with indifference. But as more people, especially the poor and socially marginalized, embraced the message of monotheism, justice, and equality, the Quraysh began to view Islam as a serious threat to their power and the status of the Kaaba, the central site of pilgrimage and tribal identity.
Opposition soon turned into open persecution. Early Muslims were subjected to boycotts, insults, physical abuse, and in some cases, torture and death. Some were forced to flee to Abyssinia in search of safety. The Prophet was protected and looked after by his uncle Abu Talib for many years, even though Abu Talib never became a Muslim. However, after the deaths of both Abu Talib and the Prophet’s wife Khadijah, the pressure on Muhammad and his followers intensified, leaving them vulnerable and isolated.
The Hijrah: a turning point in Islamic history
In the year 622 CE, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers made a journey from Mecca to Medina. This event, called the Hijrah, was a huge turning point for Islam. It changed the religion from something that was being persecuted into a well-organized community. The Hijrah is also when the Islamic calendar officially begins.
In Medina, Islam evolved into a social and political system, with the Prophet leading as both a spiritual guide and a statesman. He established the first Islamic society, built on principles of justice, compassion, and unity. The Hijrah was more than a migration; it was the foundation of a Muslim identity that continues to shape the global ummah today.
The growth of Islam after the prophet’s death
After the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, the leadership of the Muslim community passed to Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, marking the beginning of the Caliphate era. Thanks to the Prophet’s leadership, and later under the guidance of Umar ibn al-Khattab, Islam spread quickly far beyond the Arabian Peninsula. It reached places like Persia, Egypt, and the Levant.
The spread of Islam was supported by its inclusive message, effective administration, and the strong sense of unity within the ummah, a community bound by faith rather than social status or ethnicity. The foundations established by the Prophet continued to guide this growing civilization, allowing Islam to become a major spiritual and cultural force in the world.
Islam timeline: major events in early Islam

The Quran: Islam’s core message and its significance
At the heart of Islam’s founding lies the Quran; the direct word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. More than a sacred text, the Quran serves as the foundation of Islamic belief, law, and ethics. Its verses offer spiritual guidance while also addressing social justice, compassion, charity, and the importance of community.
The Quran’s message resonated deeply with early followers, especially in a society marked by inequality and tribal divisions. It emphasized that Islam was not a break from past faiths, but a continuation of the monotheistic tradition, confirming the messages of earlier prophets such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
If you’re interested in exploring the Quran’s message more closely and connecting with its teachings on a personal level, consider joining our Quran online classes for guided, flexible study.
Understand the history of Islam with Noor Institute
Learning about when was Islam founded is just the beginning of a deeper journey into one of the world’s most influential faiths. At Noor Institute, we are committed to offering the best online Islamic courses designed to help you connect with the core of Islamic belief, history, and values.
Our expertly developed programs make it easy to explore Islam at your own pace, wherever you are. Whether you’re new to the subject or seeking deeper understanding, Noor Institute provides a reliable and enriching path to knowledge rooted in authenticity and clarity.
For Muslims living in the UK — whether in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, or Glasgow — learning about the origins of Islam is an important step to strengthen their connection with faith. Many non-Arabic speakers in Britain are also keen to study the Quran and Arabic to better understand the religion from its roots. The Islamic Centre of Britain offers valuable resources, classes, and community support for Muslims across the country who want to deepen their knowledge of Islam while living in a modern British society.
Enroll now in Noor Institute’s online Islamic courses. Book your free trial
Frequently asked questions
Islam is over 1,400 years old, founded in the year 610 CE with the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad.
- In which era was Islam founded?
Islam was founded in the 7th century CE, during the early medieval period, in the Arabian Peninsula.
- When was islam founded and where?
Islam was founded in the early 7th century CE, in the city of Mecca.