Chapter 2: The Birth of Islam (610 CE)

The Birth of Islam (610 CE)

In the year 610 CE, the land of Arabia stood at a turning point in human history. The tribal society described in the previous chapter—marked by injustice, violence, and moral confusion—was about to encounter a message that would transform not only Arabia, but the entire world.

At the center of this transformation was Muhammad ibn Abdullah, a respected and trustworthy man from the Quraysh tribe of Makkah. Known among his people as Al-Amin (the Trustworthy), he was not a king, a warrior, or a scholar in the traditional sense. He lived a simple life, earning his living honestly and avoiding the moral corruption common in his society.

Despite being surrounded by idol worship, tribal arrogance, and social injustice, Muhammad ﷺ was deeply disturbed by the condition of his people. He rejected idol worship, opposed oppression, and felt a strong responsibility toward the weak, the poor, and the marginalized. Seeking peace and reflection, he would often retreat to the Cave of Hira, a quiet place outside Makkah, to meditate and think deeply about the state of humanity.

It was in this cave, during the month of Ramadan, that history changed forever.

At the age of 40, Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation from Allah through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The words revealed were powerful, direct, and revolutionary:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created…”

This moment marked the birth of Islam.

The revelation was not merely a spiritual experience; it was a challenge to the existing social order. Islam introduced the concept of one God (Tawheed), rejecting idol worship entirely. This idea alone threatened the foundations of Makkah’s power structure, which depended heavily on idol worship for economic and political control.

Islam also brought a radical moral message. It declared that all human beings are equal before God—regardless of tribe, wealth, or social status. This was a direct challenge to a society where power belonged to the strongest tribe and the richest individuals. Islam taught that true honor comes from righteousness, not lineage.

The early message of Islam emphasized:

Justice over tribal loyalty

Mercy over revenge

Responsibility over oppression

Accountability before God

For the poor, slaves, women, and orphans, this message offered hope. For the powerful elites of Makkah, it represented a threat.

At first, the Prophet ﷺ preached Islam quietly to those closest to him. His wife Khadijah, his cousin Ali, his close friend Abu Bakr, and a small group of believers accepted the message early on. These early Muslims faced ridicule, social pressure, and isolation, but they remained firm in their belief.

As the message spread publicly, opposition intensified. The leaders of Quraysh feared losing their authority, wealth, and influence. Islam challenged idol worship, condemned injustice, and questioned traditions that had existed for generations. Instead of responding with dialogue, the elites responded with persecution.

Muslims were mocked, boycotted, tortured, and in some cases killed. Slaves who accepted Islam were beaten mercilessly. Families were divided. Yet, the message continued to grow—not through force, but through patience, character, and faith.

What made Islam unique at its birth was that it did not simply call people to belief—it called them to moral reform. It demanded honesty in trade, kindness to parents, protection of the weak, and restraint in anger. It replaced endless cycles of revenge with forgiveness and law.

This period marks the beginning of a long struggle between truth and power, faith and arrogance. Islam did not arrive as a political movement or a military force. It began as a moral revolution, carried by a man with no army, no wealth, and no worldly power—only conviction.

The birth of Islam in 610 CE was not the end of Arabia’s chaos, but it was the beginning of transformation. A new worldview had entered history—one that would challenge empires, reshape civilizations, and redefine humanity’s relationship with God.

What began in a cave would soon echo across deserts, cities, and centuries.