The world’s fastest-growing religion spread across the globe through conquest and trade.
Originating on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Islam is now the second-largest religion in the world after Christianity. Prominent in the Arabian Peninsula, Islam was introduced to East Asia via the trade routes that connected West Asia and China. The religion sparked colossal societal and economic changes, and now provides a safe haven for around two billion followers.
Islam, meaning “submission”, has its roots in 7th-century Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia. It is where Muslims believe the direct word of God, or Allah, was revealed to Muhammad, considered by adherents to be the final messenger among the monotheistic prophets, from Adam and Abraham to Moses and Jesus.
Born around 570 CE to one of Mecca’s prominent families, Muhammad made a living as a trader, earning the sobriquets “al-Amin” (trustworthy) and “al-Sadiq” (truthful). He worked for a widow called Khadija, whom he
