After the Prophet
The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam
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4.0 • 9 Ratings
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- $16.99
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
In this gripping narrative history, Lesley Hazleton tells the tragic story at the heart of the ongoing rivalry between the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam, a rift that dominates the news now more than ever.
Even as Muhammad lay dying, the battle over who would take control of the new Islamic nation had begun, beginning a succession crisis marked by power grabs, assassination, political intrigue, and passionate faith. Soon Islam was embroiled in civil war, pitting its founder's controversial wife Aisha against his son-in-law Ali, and shattering Muhammad’s ideal of unity.
Combining meticulous research with compelling storytelling, After the Prophet explores the volatile intersection of religion and politics, psychology and culture, and history and current events. It is an indispensable guide to the depth and power of the Shia–Sunni split.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Much American foreign policy has been shaped by the centuries-old disagreement between Islam's two main factions, and yet Americans in general, and our politicians in particular, often can't tell Sunnis from Shi'ites. With the publication of this outstanding book, we no longer have any excuse. Hazleton (Jezebel) ties today's events to their ancient roots, resurrecting seventh century Arabia with reverence and vivid immediacy. Here are rich recreations of the lives of the Prophet Muhammad and his beloved wife Aisha; here are often overlooked details (why is green the color of Islam? why do some Muslim women veil?) filling in the contours of the narrative. The battle to name Muhammad's successor is gripping but it is Hazleton's ability to link the past and present that distinguishes this book: "the main issue is again what it was in the seventh century who should lead Islam? played out on an international level. Where Ali once struggled against Muawiya, Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia today vie with each other for influence." Anyone with an interest in the Middle East, U.S.-international relations or a profound story masterfully told will be well served by this exceptional book.
Customer Reviews
Excellent book!
I am a Muslim and I know the Muslims have tinted their history with lies and deception, this book is unbiased Muslim history, people around the prophet of Islam were not as loyal as they are shown in Muslim history, Muslims even deny that the civil war in the time of 4th caliph, which was lead by the one of the wife of the prophet, name Aysha, she was the centre of rebellion. And then grandson of the prophet was slaughtered with his family in the desert of Karbala, he was invited for the guidances by the Shias of city of Kofa and turned their back, while Muslim’s hero, son of Mavia slaughter his grandson in the desert, I think the author of this wrote what a Muslim couldn’t have guts to write, even now!
Book of lies, too far away from truth
The author has no clue of the true history of Islam. The book begins with ignorance on the author's part and I would never recommend such a book to anyone who is in search of true history.
The sample of the book was enough to shed light on the author's ignorance of the matter. The author claimed that The Messenger of Allah(sawa) died from a natural illness and went as far as claiming that it may have been "Bacterial Meningitis"! The author rambles on and on about the possibility of the Prophet(sawa) dying of an illness he may have contracted. The reality of the matter differs significantly. The Messenger of Allah(sawa) was POISONED by His wives Aisha and Hafza. There is enough evidence to prove this historical fact. Those in search of truth can do their own research and see for themselves the incredible lies this author has published in this book. For starters, there is an amazing series of lectures on You Tube by Sheikh Yasser al-Habib on the Murder of the Messenger of Allah(sawa). He proves this historical truth with undeniable evidences. The information presented in this book are fabrications of the Sunni Muslims, whose idols are behind the distortion of this blunt truth.
I encourage all those who have considered purchasing this book in hope to learn of the matter, to please do some research of their own. You will see very easily that this book is too far away from the truth. This is not a credible book of history.