The Succession to Muhammad: A Study of the Early Caliphate - Hardcover

Madelung, Wilferd

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521561817 ISBN 13: 9780521561815

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1996

Synopsis

In a comprehensive study of early Islamic history, Wilferd Madelung examines the conflict which developed after Muhammad's death for the leadership of the Muslim community. He pursues the history of this conflict through the reign of the four 'Rightly Guided' caliphs to its climax in the first inter-Muslim war. The outcome of the war, which marked the demise of the reign of the Early Companions, resulted in the lasting schism between Sunnite and Shi'ite Islam. Contrary to recent scholarly trends, the author brings out Ali's early claim to legitimate succession, which gained support from the Shi'a, and offers a convincing reinterpretation of early Islamic history. This book will make a major contribution to the debate over succession. Wilferd Madelung's book The Succession to Muhammad has been awarded the Best Book of the Year prize by the Islamic Republic of Iran for the year 1997.

About this title

Review

'Never before have the first thirty years in the life of the Muslim community been more meaningfuly interpreted. All students of Islam will want to keep this book within arm's reach.' Choice

Book Description

In a convincing reinterpretation of early Islamic history, Wilferd Madelung examines the conflict which developed after the death of Muhammad for control of the Muslim community. He demonstrates how this conflict, which marked the demise of the first four caliphs, resulted in the lasting schism between Sunnite and Shi'ite Islam.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0521561817
• ISBN 13: 9780521561815
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 432