Makkah is the cradle of Islam, the origin of monotheism, and the place from which the Islamic Da`wah began and the light of knowledge spread throughout the globe. It has an incomparable status, and was given special attention by the Founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz Al Saud (may Allah bestow His mercy on him), as he issued a decree to establish the College of Shari`ah in 1369 A.H. to be the nucleus for university education in the Saudi Kingdom.

The study of history is of great importance in studying Islamic history, drawing lessons, learning about the glories of the Islamic nation, building the citizen's personality, and deepening the sense of belonging and loyalty. Therefore, the Department of History and Islamic Civilization was established in 1385/1386 A.H. to be the third department at the College of Shariah and Islamic Studies, following the establishment of the Department of Shari`ah and the Department of Arabic Language.

The Department of History has witnessed a series of changes and developments required by the era and constant pursuit of scientific and academic excellence. At the beginning of the academic year (1389/1390 A.H.), the affiliation program at this department was made available for the female students, and in 1391 A.H., they were allowed to become regularly attending students.

In 1395/1396 A.H., the specialization of civilization was separated from the department, and was named the Department of Islamic Civilization and Systems. In 1403 A.H., the Department of Postgraduate Studies and Civilization was established, and in 1421/1422 A.H., the Department of Islamic Civilization and Systems merged with the Department of Islamic History under its original name: Department of History and Islamic Civilization.

Finally, in 1431 A.H., the Department of Postgraduate Studies and Civilization merged with the Department of Islamic History under the current name: Department of History.