Islam began in the 7th century CE with the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca. Muhammad, regarded as the final messenger in a long line of prophets, spread Islam through preaching and the example of his life. After his death in 632 CE, Islam expanded rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, through conquests and trade. The Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates helped spread Islamic civilization, with advancements in science, philosophy, and culture. Over time, Islam became a global faith, shaping the religious, political, and cultural landscape of vast regions. Today, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.9 billion followers.