Encyclopedia of Islam

fourth–sixth century

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  Arabia involved in conflicts between Rome/

Byzantium and Persia.

sixth–seventh century

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  Quraysh tribe rises to prominence in Mecca.

570?

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  Birth of Muhammad ibn Abd Allah in Mecca.

610

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  Muhammad receives first revelation at Mt. Hira, 

near Mecca, and begins career as a prophet.

622

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  The year of the Hijra: Muhammad and the Mus-

lims migrate from Mecca to Medina.

630

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  Muhammad wins control of Mecca.

632

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  Death of Muhammad; death of Fatima, his 

daughter; election of Abu Bakr as first caliph.

634

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  Death of Abu Bakr.

635

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  Conquest of Damascus.

636

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  Battle of Qadisiyya: Arab army decisively defeats 

Persian army in Iraq

637

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  Conquest of Syria and the fall of Jerusalem.

640

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  Conquest of Persia.

642

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  Conquest of Egypt; foundation of Fustat (later