Hazleton not only recounts the facts behind the split but also expertly uses centuries-old accounts to convey the depth of emotional and spiritual associations bundled within a simple word like Karbala. Anyone seeking to understand todays Middle East can learn from this book. It is an indispensable guide to the depth and power of the Shia-Sunni split. 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. Soon Islam was embroiled in civil war, pitting its founders controversial wife Aisha against his son-in-law Ali, and shattering Muhammads ideal of unity. 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. Book Synopsis 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. About the Book Balancing past and present, Hazelton shows how 7th-century events are alive in Middle Eastern hearts and minds today as though they had just happened, shaping modern headlines from Irans Islamic Revolution to the civil war in Iraq.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |