World Religions Timeline

Six Indian Nations United To Form A Confederacy

At the end of the 16th century, six Indian nations united to form a Confederacy, which we know today as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy. These nations are the Mohawk, Tuscarora, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, and Seneca.

The Passing Of The Indian Act In 1876

The passing of the Indian Act in 1876 had a detrimental impact on Aboriginal Spirituality. It undermined traditional self-governance and cultural practices, as Indigenous communities were forcibly placed under the control and responsibility of the federal government. This act resulted in the suppression and erasure of many spiritual traditions, rituals, and ceremonies, leading to a loss of cultural identity and connection to ancestral beliefs among Indigenous peoples.

Islam

After eight years of fighting with the Meccan tribes, his followers, whose numbers raised ten thousand, conquered Mecca. In 632, on returning to Medina from his 'Farewell Pilgrimage', Muhammad fell ill and died. By the time of his death, most of Arabia belonged to Islam.

First massacre carried out by Muslims: Invasion of Banu Qurayza

First woman captured by Muhammad as war booty: Rayhana

Muhammad ibn ‘Abd Allāh was born in 570 CE in the city of Mecca in Arabia (now called Saudi Arabia). His father died before his birth, and his mother died before he turned six. Muhammad was raised by his uncle, a merchant and tribal leader. Muhammad learned the merchant trade and later worked as a merchant. At about 25-years-old, he married Khadijah and they had six children.

First Muslim treasurer: Bilal ibn Ribah

God Led Abram And His Wife Sarai

God led Abram, and his wife Sarai, from Mesopotamia to the land of Canaan around 2000 BCE. Abram entered into a covenant with God. In exchange for accepting Him as the sole deity and authority, God told Abram that he would have land and many descendants. He will be “father of a great nation”. God promised Abram that he and his descendants would be kings.

Abram And His Wife Sarai Remained Childless

After trying for many years to have children with his wife, Abram and his wife Sarai remained childless. In the time they lived, having descendants held very important value and the duty rested with the wife. If the couple did not have children, the wife allowed her husband to have a child with another woman. Sarai offered her maid Hagar to Abram so that Hagar could bear him children. Hagar and Abram had a son named Ishmael

Diwali

This practice of lighting lamps first began on the day of Mahavira's nirvana in 527 BCE, when 18 kings who had gathered for Mahavira's final teachings issued a proclamation that lamps be lit in remembrance of the "great light, Mahavira". In northern India, Diwali commemorates Prince Rama's triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile due to the plotting of his evil stepmother—and after a heroic rescue of his wife Sita, an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi, who had been kidnapped by the rival king Ravana.

Swastika Evolution

It is a symbol of “Good Luck” which is usually illustrated in red. It is often used on wedding invitations, decorative drawings, textiles, and in rituals to bring good luck and protection against evil. Hitler adopted a revised version of the symbol and used it to represent the Nazi regime. Now the symbol has negative connotations in the non-Hindu world.

The Buddha

The Buddha born in North India (ca. 563 B.C.E.) lived in a place called Lumbini near the Himalayan foothills, and he began teaching around Benares (at Sarnath). His era in general is associated with of spiritual, intellectual, and social ferment. During this time, the Hindu ideal of renunciation of family and social life by holy persons seeking truth first became widespread and when the Upanishads recorded. Both are seen as moves away from the centrality of the Vedic fire sacrifice or ancient Hindu customs.

Buddhist New Year

It is considered one of the most important events in the Buddhist calendar. The origins of the holiday can be traced back to ancient India, where the Buddha lived and taught. It is believed that the holiday was first celebrated by Buddhist monks and nuns, who would gather together to pay tribute to the Buddha.

Guru Nanak Discovery

At the age 28, he went as usual down to the river to bathe and meditate. He did not return for three days. When he reappeared, filled with the spirit of God, he said, "There is no Hindu and no Muslim." After this experience he began his missionary work.

Guru Nanak Establishes The Town Of Kartarpur

Guru Nanak founded Kartarpur in 1504, a town of great significance for Sikhism. He spent 18 years in Kartarpur, attracted a community of Sikhs who embraced his teachings of devotion to one God, equality, and selfless service. The Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, built at Guru Nanak's residence, became a focal point for Sikh spiritual gatherings and worship. The Kartarpur Corridor opened in 2019, allowing Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur visa-free in Pakistan, strengthening their connection to their spiritual heritage.