1400 Years of Islamic History

Offered by Saskatoon Dawah & Community Center

Journey through fourteen centuries—from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the present day. This survey course gives students a clear, engaging overview of key eras, ideas, people, and places that shaped the Muslim world and its global impact.

What you’ll learn

• A big-picture timeline of Islamic history and how major periods connect

• The rise of core institutions: mosque, madrasa, waqf, legal schools, scholarship

• Civilizations and empires: Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid, Al-Andalus, Fatimids, Seljuks, Ottomans, Safavids, Mughals, and others

• Contributions to science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, arts, architecture, trade

• Regional stories across Africa, the Middle East, Central & South Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia

• Encounters with Europe, colonialism and reform, and the making of the modern Muslim world

• The story of Muslims in North America and Canada today

• How historical context illuminates current issues and strengthens personal faith and identity

Course outline (12 modules)

1. Origins: Arabia, Revelation, Makkah & Madinah

2. Community & Leadership: The Rashidun Caliphate

3. Expansion & Diversity: Umayyads and early institutions

4. Scholarly Flourishing: Abbasids, Bayt al-Hikmah, hadith & fiqh

5. West of the Muslim World: Al-Andalus & Maghrib

6. Cairo & the Fatimids; Damascus & the Ayyubids

7. Turkic & Persian Dynasties: Seljuks, Ilkhanids, Timurids

8. The “Gunpowder Empires”: Ottomans, Safavids, Mughals

9. Africa & the Indian Ocean: Mali–Songhai, Swahili Coast, Southeast Asia

10. Encounters & Change: Trade, technology, colonial pressures

11. Reform & Revival (18th–20th c.)

12. Global Islam Today: Diaspora, Canada, challenges & opportunities

Format & commitment

• Duration: 10–12 weeks (one module per week)

• Class time: 90-minute sessions (evening or weekend options)

• Method: Illustrated lectures, maps, short primary-source readings, discussion, and take-home timelines

• Levels: Teen & adult cohorts (ages 13+); family-friendly atmosphere

Materials & assessment

• Course reader (handouts), timeline worksheets, recommended reading list

• Light quizzes/reflections (optional). Certificate of Completion available for students who meet attendance and assessment requirements.

Who should enroll

• Teens and adults seeking a structured, faith-aware overview of Islamic history

• Parents, educators, and community volunteers wanting confident, accurate talking points

• New Muslims and interested learners curious about Islam’s civilizational story

Prerequisites: None. All backgrounds welcome.
How to join: Register online or contact us for upcoming start dates and fees.
Contact: [your email] | [your phone]

See the past clearly—understand the present better—and build an informed, confident future.