Description
Book SynopsisTayeb El-Hibri draws on medieval Islamic chronicles to remap the origins of Islamic political and religious orthodoxy, offering an insightful critique of both early and contemporary Islam and the concerns of legitimacy shadowing various rulers. He also highlights the Islamic reinterpretation of biblical traditions.
Trade ReviewAwe-inspiring erudition and a discerning eye for intertextual associations guide Tayeb El-Hibri's brilliant dissection of early Islamic political narratives. Once exposed to this methodology, readers will have difficulty accepting innocent 'factual' readings of even the most straightforward seeming accounts. -- Richard Bulliet, Columbia University, author of
Cotton, Climate, and Camels in Early Islamic Iran: A Moment in World HistoryEl-Hibri advances a rich, provocative reading of events following the death of Muhammad and the careers of the first four caliphs. * Choice *
An invigorating new reading of the story of the early Islamic succession to the Prophet Muhammad. * Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations *
An important, innovative, and particularly rich book, which promises to become a basic reference work for any scholar working on Islam's origins. * Journal of the American Oriental Society *
A must-read for all serious students of early Islamic history...a marvelously challenging, provocative, and erudite rereading of this period and its sources. * Der Islam *
Table of ContentsPreface
1. Introduction
2. Abu Bakr: The Moment of Confirmation
3. 'Umar b. al-Khattab: A Saga of Law and Conquest
4. 'Uthman: The Challenge of Innovation
5. The Road to Civil War: Issues and Boundaries
6. 'Ali: In the Image of the Prophets
7. From Caliphate to Kingship: 'Umar's Reign and Future Changes
8. Conclusion
Appendix 1. Abu Mikhnaf's Account of the Saqifa of Banu Sa'ida
Appendix 2. The Succession to 'Umar
Appendix 3. Manushihr's Declaration
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
