Product Description

A fresh look at the origins and development of Islam, this is a fascinating reconstruction of the era of the first three generations of Muslims. Using a wealth of classical Arabic sources, it chronicles the lives of the Prophet Muhammad, his Companions, and the subsequent two generations of Muslims, together known as the "the Pious Forebears". Examining the adoption in contemporary times of these early Muslims as legitimizing figureheads for a variety of causes, both religious and political, Afsaruddin tries to establish where their sympathies really lay. Essential reading for anyone interested in the inception of the Islam, this important book will captivate the general reader and student alike.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #215955 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 232 pages

Review
"A clearly written and well argued work; a helpful and clarifying book for a general audience." William Graham - Dean (Harvard Divinity School), Albertson Professor of Middle Eastern Studies (FAS) and author of "Beyond the Written Word: Oral Aspects of Scripture in the History of Religion""Asma Afsaruddin, a professor of Arabic and Islamic studies at the University of Notre Dame, offers an eloquent and cogent explanation of the historical roots and meanings of many key concepts relevant to today's discussion of contemporary Islam... Her book should be required reading for any Muslim or non-Muslim who mistakenly believes the faith is immutable." The Washington Post, January 2008.

William Graham - Dean (Harvard Divinity School), Albertson Professor of Middle Eastern Studies (FAS) and author of 'Beyond the Written Word: Oral Aspects of Scripture in the History of Religion'
"Helpful and clarifying... A clearly written and argued work"

Bruce B. Lawrence - Nancy and Jeffrey Marcus Professor of Religion, Duke University
"A splendid piece of forensic scholarship. Highly readable and aptly revisionist, this book will be as welcome for novice non-Muslims as for devout believers."

Customer Reviews

a review of the first 3 generations of muslims
this book reviews the history of the first 3 generations of muslims who lived and died well over 1000 years ago now. the first generation covers the period of the prophet muhammad (peace be upon him) and the four rightly guided caliphs. the second generation who came after were known as the successors. the third generation after them were known as the successors to the successors. the book ends by contrasting islamist reconstructions and interpretations of this history compared with moderate reconstructions and interpretations of this history.

the content, tone and standard of prose indicates a scholarly work into which has been put alot of time and analysis. this is no surprise as the author is a professor at notre dame.

i enjoyed reading the book in two days. for readers with little or no knowledge of islam i think it would help to first read another book on the biography of prophet muhammad (peace be upon him).

for muslims living today, a study of the first muslims is very important. they represent role models of attitude and conduct which are to be emulated in our own lives. in this way islam can be made into a living reality for our selves, our families and our communities.

the historical period covered also includes the mischief and tragedies that happened not long after the prophet's death. this includes the murders of uthman and ali at the hands of other muslims, the battle of the camel, the civil wars and so on. i felt sad when reading about this. but to know our history means to know everything, not just the parts we are proud about.