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After the Prophet

The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
After the Prophet by Lesley Hazleton delves into the profound events following the death of the Prophet Muhammad. It explores the resulting tensions and divisions that gave rise to the Sunni-Shia split, shaping the political and spiritual landscapes of the Muslim world. This historical narrative brings to life the passionate and turbulent early years of Islam.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by religious history and the origins of sectarian conflict in Islam. It provides a compelling narrative of the succession struggles following the death of the Prophet Muhammad, blending meticulous research with vivid storytelling.

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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 Iran's Islamic Revolution to the civil war in Iraq.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In After the Prophet, Lesley Hazleton presents a riveting narrative history that delves into one of the most significant, yet often misunderstood, events in the history of Islam: the Shia-Sunni split. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Hazleton chronicles the tumultuous events following the death of Prophet Muhammad, shedding light on the origins of a conflict that continues to influence global politics and society.

As Prophet Muhammad lay on his deathbed, the question of his succession loomed large, igniting a crisis that would forever shape the future of the Islamic world. Hazleton navigates the reader through this complex and multi-faceted historyβ€”from power struggles and political assassinations to passionate religious fervour and moments of profound human drama. The book examines the contentious relationships and dramatic confrontations between key figures such as Muhammad's controversial wife Aisha and his son-in-law Ali, as well as the broader Muslim community.

Hazleton’s narrative portrays the beauty and depth of Islamic traditions while also highlighting the intense political and personal conflicts that led to the civil war within Islam, shattering the unity that Prophet Muhammad had envisioned. By vividly illustrating these past events, After the Prophet provides readers with critical insights into the contemporary implications of the Shia-Sunni divide, offering a compelling lens through which to understand current Middle Eastern geopolitics and the persistent tension within the Muslim world.

This first-time paperback edition from Anchor Books makes Hazleton's accessible yet authoritative account available to an even wider audience. With an eloquent blend of psychological analysis, cultural context, and historical narrative, After the Prophet stands as an indispensable guide to one of the most profound divisions in religious history. Hazleton’s work not only illuminates the past but also offers essential perspectives for comprehending the present and future ramifications of the Shia-Sunni schism.

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The book After the Prophet by Lesley Hazleton receives high praise for its engaging and lively narrative, making the complex history of the Shia-Sunni split accessible and understandable. Critics commend Hazleton's use of original sources and her ability to humanise historical figures, while also providing a profound and respectful account of significant events. The work is highlighted for its scholarly integrity and its ability to illuminate contemporary issues in the Middle East, making it essential reading for those seeking to comprehend the region's intricate dynamics.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780385523943

Publisher: Random House USA Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 September 2010

Country: United States

Imprint: Anchor Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 261g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Lesley Hazletonis an award-winning writer whose work focuses on the intersection of religion, history, and politics. She reported on the Middle East from Jerusalem for more than a dozen years, and has written forTime,The New York Times,The New York Review of Books,Harper's,The Nation, andThe New Republic, among others. Her bookAfter the Prophetwas a finalist for a PEN Center USA Literary Award, and she is the recipient ofThe Stranger's Genius in Literature Award. Hazleton lives in Seattle. For more information, visit- www.aftertheprophet.com. accidentaltheologist.com

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