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, sparking 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.
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“Step inside the history of early Islam. This should be essential reading for young people- given the few billion Muslim population in the world. We all should care, it’s all of our business. Also, the added bonus of this book is that it is beautifully written. Hazleton is masterly with the English language, and she even reads the book herself ”
—
Charles Miller (5 out of 5 stars)
