The Prophet Muhammed completes his Hegira (flight) on this day, from Mecca to Medina, to escape persecution.

He then set about organizing his followers of his religion, Islam. This year would later become Year 1 in the Muslim calendar.

It was around 610 that Muhammed, whilst meditating in a cave in Mount Hira north of Mecca, heard voices, which later he realized came from the angel Gabriel.

Gabriel told him:

"You are the Messenger of God."

This began a lifetime in which he collected together the various revelations, called the Qur'an.

Islam means to surrender to God.

Muslim means those who have surrendered.