When Did Islam Begin?

The answer depends on how we define "Islam."

1️⃣ Theological Definition (Islam = Submission to God)

• According to the Quran, Islam in a broad sense (submission to the one true God) has existed since the time of Adam.

• The Quran states that all prophets preached Islam in this sense (Quran 3:19, 3:85).

• By this definition, Islam has existed since humanity began.

2️⃣ Historical Definition (Islam as a Distinct Religion)

• The formal religion known as Islam (with its specific rituals, the Quran, and Shariah) began in the 7th century CE with Muhammad.

• The first revelation of the Quran was in 610 CE, and Islam became a structured community in 622 CE (Hijra to Medina).

• By this definition, Islam began in the early 7th century CE.

Contradiction in the Islamic Claim

Islamic theology asserts that all prophets were Muslims and that their message was the same as Muhammad's. However, the Quran also states that Muhammad was the first to be commanded to call himself a Muslim in this specific sense (Quran 6:14, 6:163, 39:12). This creates a contradiction:

• If Abraham, Moses, and Jesus were Muslims, why was Muhammad the first to be commanded to be one?

• If previous prophets had different religious laws (Shariah), then Islam as a specific legal and ritual system did not exist before Muhammad.

Final Answer

• Islam as a general concept of submission to God = Since Adam.

• Islam as a distinct religion with its laws and identity = 7th century CE with Muhammad.