Name: After the Prophet
Rating: 3.916666666666667 (12 reviews)
ISBN: 9780385523936

Lesley Hazleton

Explains the origins of the Shia and Sunni conflict, describing how a seventh-century struggle between the supporters of the late Muhammad's family members erupted in a massacre at Karbala that became a central part of Shia Islam.

The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam

After the Prophet

coriander

This book gives a good and very readable overview of the history of the Sunni-Shia conflict. It does come off as biased toward the Shia - giving that history and viewpoint much more attention than the Sunni side, so I would have to read more to get a more full understanding of the Sunni perspective. But overall, a good introduction to Islam's development after the death of the Prophet.

Anooshay Abbasi

Not recommended for people looking to learn about Islamic history. Rather, for those who already know islamic history and wish to understand it a bit better and gain some perspective.

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, beginning 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. From the Trade Paperback edition.

Kate Lillie

Sara Piteira 

Ethan E. Harris

A narrative history of the origins of the Shia and Sunni conflict describes how a seventh-century struggle between the supporters of the late Muhammad's surviving family members erupted in a massacre at Karbala that would become a central component of Shia Islam.

After the Prophet The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam

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