The Succession to Muhammad
The Succession to Muhammad
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.
- An original reinterpretation of early Islamic history
- Presents a challenge to recent scholarship on the area and should cause some controversy
- A well-known and highly distinguished scholar in the field
Awards
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
Reviews & endorsements
'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
Product details
October 1998Paperback
9780521646963
432 pages
228 × 153 × 28 mm
0.69kg
2 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Abu Bakr: the successor of the Messenger of God and the caliphate of Quraysh
- 2. 'Umar: Commander of the Faithful, Islamic meritocracy, consultation and Arab empire
- 3. 'Uthman: the Viceregent of God and the reign of 'Abd Shams
- 4. 'Ali: the counter-caliphate of Hashim
- Conclusion: Restoration of the community and despotic kingship.
