A tragic story at the heart of the Sunni-Shia conflict. From the time Muhammad was dying, the battle over who would take control of the new Islamic state began, a succession crisis characterized by power grabs, assassinations, political intrigue, and passionate faith. Soon Islam was embroiled in a civil war that pitted the founder’s controversial wife, Aisha, against his son-in-law, Ali, and shattered Muhammad’s ideal of unity.
If there was a moment when it all began, it was Muhammad’s death. Even a prophet is mortal. That was the problem. It was as if no one, not even Muhammad himself, had considered the possibility of his own death.
Did he know he was going to die? He must have known. So must the people around him, but no one seems to have been able to admit it. Muhammad was 63years old, a long life for his time. He was wounded many times in battle and there were at least three assassination attempts. This is even more so now that Arabia has been united under the banner of Islam.
Those who once opposed Muhammad and plotted to kill him had now become his close associates. Peace had been made and the community was united. It was not the dawn of a new era, but a morning, a bright sun, a day full of promise. Arabia had emerged from its political and cultural backwater and was poised to play a significant role on the world stage.
On the verge of such success, a leader would die, But he was definitely dying, and was about to die of natural causes after the violence of the fighting and assassination attempts.
About the Book
Combining meticulous research and compelling storytelling, After the Prophet explores the precarious intersection of religion and politics, psychology and culture, history and current events. It is an indispensable guide book to the depth and power of the Shia-Sunni divide.
Thanks for the nice book bank