Course Overview

  • Synopsis

    This course explores the first 600 years of Islamic history, from the Khulafa al-Rashidun to the Ayyubids, highlighting key events, dynasties, and figures. Students will gain historical insight and tools to approach the past through an Islamic lens, enriching their understanding of Muslim civilisation’s formative centuries.

  • Aims

    This course aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of early Islamic history, highlight key events and figures, and develop the ability to analyse historical developments through an Islamic perspective using essential scholarly tools and critical thinking skills.

  • Entry Requirements

    This course is intended for students of all backgrounds, with no prior knowledge required. It aims to enrich understanding of Islamic history and its foundational developments.

Course Structure

Study Mode Online
Course Duration 8 Lessons
Start Date 1 May 2025
End Date 19 June 2025
Day Thursdays
Time 12:00 - 13:00 | Calgary
14:00 - 15:00 | New York
19:00 - 20:00 | London (GMT)
22:00 - 23:00 | Dubai
23:30 - 00:30 | Mumbai
02:00 - 03:00 | Singapore
Cost Free 
Instructor Ustadh Abu Ayyub
Textbook In-house resources will be shared

All lesson recordings available on-demand!

This 8 lesson course offers students a captivating and insightful journey through the first six centuries of Islamic history, beginning with the era of the Khulafa al-Rashidun and culminating with the legacy of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi. Spanning key events, empires, and personalities, students will explore the dynamic evolution of Islamic civilisation through political shifts, military conquests, cultural achievements, and religious developments.

Each week is designed to build a comprehensive understanding of the major caliphates - from the early unity of the Rashidun to the vast expansions under the Umayyads and Abbasids, the fragmentation into rival dynasties, and the eventual Turkic and Ayyubid dominance. Students will critically examine historical turning points such as the Ridda Wars, the Abbasid revolution, the Sunni revival, and the Crusades, while reflecting on the spiritual, intellectual, and ethical lessons that emerge from this rich past.

By the end of the course, students will not only have a foundational grasp of Islamic history’s formative centuries but will also be equipped with essential tools and perspectives to appreciate history through an Islamic lens. This course is ideal for aspiring historians, students of Islamic studies, and anyone passionate about understanding the roots and legacy of the Muslim world.

Topics Covered
Lesson 1

(I) Why do We Study History?

(II) The Rashidun Caliphate (632–661 CE)
Lesson 2

(I) The Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE)

(II) Opposition & Rebellions
Lesson 3

(I) The Abbasid Caliphate: The Golden Age (750–900 CE)

(II) Rival Dynasties
Lesson 4

(I) The Fragmentation of the Caliphate (900–1050 CE)

(II) Rival Caliphate: The Fatimids in Egypt

(III) Persian and Turkic Dominance
Lesson 5

(I) The Saljuq Empire & The Rise of Turkic Power (1050–1095 CE)

(II) The Fragmentation of the Saljuqs
Lesson 6

(I) The Crusades Begin (1095–1144 CE)

(II) The Rise of Nur al-Din & Salah al-Din (1146–1187 CE)
Lesson 7
 (I) The Legacy of Salah al-Din & the Aftermath (1187–1193 CE)
Lesson 8
 (I) Overview: The First Six Centuries

Learning Outcomes

Learn traditional Islamic knowledge in a thorough, practical and transforming way

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the key events, figures, and developments in the first 600 years of Islamic history.

  • Analyse historical narratives through an Islamic lens, considering both primary sources and scholarly interpretations.

  • Develop critical thinking skills to assess political, social, and religious transformations across early Islamic empires.

  • Enhance appreciation for the diversity and legacy of Islamic civilisation during its formative centuries.

  • Apply historical knowledge to contemporary discussions on Islamic identity, heritage, and global influence.

Course Fees

Our courses are free!

(Minimum £10 to cover admin fees)

Join our mission to keep them free and become a means for sacred knowledge to be readily accessible, professionally delivered (by qualified scholars) for the Muslim community - globally!  

Become a supporter by donating as little as £10pm - together we can make it happen inshā'aAllāh.

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    One-time payment of £10.00

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Ustadh Abu Ayyub

Senior Instructor

Ustadh Abu Ayyub is an expert history guide, educator, and consultant on Islamic history based in Istanbul, Turkey. Trained in the sacred sciences, he is also a historian, author, and passionate teacher whose dynamic approach brings the rich tapestry of Islamic history to life. Originally from the USA, his journey to explore the living legacy of the Muslim world has taken him across the globe for over a decade. His work weaves together academic depth, field experience, and spiritual insight. He teaches Islamic history at Lote Tree College, where he shares his deep knowledge and unique perspective with students from around the world.
Ustadh Abu Ayyub Marulanda

FAQs

  • How long is this course?

    This course is based on 8 lessons (1 hour each).

  • What do I need to access this course?

    All you need is a reliable internet connection and access to a personal computer, tablet or phone – our online courses are responsive and designed to work across all platforms. We also recommend that you study the courses somewhere quiet so that you can concentrate and get the most out of the rich, helpful information they contain.

  • Do I require additional resources?

    You can use the PDF copy to follow (link above).

  • Will I get a qualification or ijazah?

    If you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

  • I'm not in the UK, does that matter?

    No, absolutely not – in fact that’s one of the main reasons we developed our online courses, so that more people from around the world could benefit from our training.

  • I'm having trouble logging in, what can I do?

    If you are having problems logging in, it may be that you need to delete your browser cookies and/or empty your cache. If you’re still having trouble after having done that, then please contact us.

Testimonials

Amer Nazri | Animation Director

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

❝ The classes at Lote Tree are wholesome as it is inspiring, and whether it is fiqh, seerah or tasawwuf, you leave the sessions nourished spritually and intellectually, and eager to learn more. ❞

Kamran Ahmed | Finance Director

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❝ Amazing institute that really leads the way in bringing people together! Run and managed by an amazing team. ❞

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