The Succession to Muhammad
A Study of the Early Caliphate

In a convincing reinterpretation of early Islamic history, Wilferd Madelung examines the conflict which developed after the death of Muhammad for control of the Muslim community.

Wilferd Madelung (Author)

9780521646963, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 15 October 1998

432 pages, 2 tables
22.8 x 15.3 x 2.8 cm, 0.69 kg

'Never before have the first thirty years in the life of the Muslim community been more meaningfuly interpreted. All students of Islam will want to keep this book within arm's reach.' Choice

In a comprehensive study of early Islamic history, Wilferd Madelung examines the conflict which developed after Muhammad's death for the leadership of the Muslim community. He pursues the history of this conflict through the reign of the four 'Rightly Guided' caliphs to its climax in the first inter-Muslim war. The outcome of the war, which marked the demise of the reign of the Early Companions, resulted in the lasting schism between Sunnite and Shi'ite Islam. Contrary to recent scholarly trends, the author brings out Ali's early claim to legitimate succession, which gained support from the Shi'a, and offers a convincing reinterpretation of early Islamic history. This book will make a major contribution to the debate over succession. Wilferd Madelung's book The Succession to Muhammad has been awarded the Best Book of the Year prize by the Islamic Republic of Iran for the year 1997.

Introduction
1. Abu Bakr: the successor of the Messenger of God and the caliphate of Quraysh
2. 'Umar: Commander of the Faithful, Islamic meritocracy, consultation and Arab empire
3. 'Uthman: the Viceregent of God and the reign of 'Abd Shams
4. 'Ali: the counter-caliphate of Hashim
Conclusion: Restoration of the community and despotic kingship.

Subject Areas: Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], Asian history [HBJF]