1001 Space Earth Nature History First Civilisations Ancient Egypt Biblical Times Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Chinese, Japanese Civilisations Indian Civilisation African Civilisation The Early Americas The Rise of Islam The Middle Ages The Renaissance Civil War and Revolution The Industrial Revolution Two World Wars 20th-century Achievements Human World Science and Technology

What is Islam? Islam is a religion that was founded in Arabia in the 7th century AD by the Prophet Muhammad (c.570-632). The word 'Islam' means 'surrender to the will of Allah [God].' Its followers are called Muslims. The many different Muslim groups within the religion are bound together by their faith in one God. After Muhammad's death, the Muslims swept out of Arabia and conquered a huge empire. In 1099 Christian Crusaders recaptured the Holy Land from the Muslims. Krak des Chevaliers was one of many castles built to hold off Muslim counterattacks.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: History Chapter: The Rise of Islam