A Short History of Islam: A Book Review

A Short History of Islam: A Book Review

A Short History of Islam: From the Rise of Islam to the Fall of Baghdad, 571 A.D. to 1258 A.D. is a book written by Mazhar-ul-Haq, a Pakistani historian and scholar. The book was first published in 1977 by Bookland, and it covers the major events and developments in the Islamic world from the birth of Prophet Muhammad to the Mongol invasion of Baghdad.

a short history of islam by mazhar ul haq pdf free 36

The book is divided into 36 chapters, each focusing on a specific period or topic in Islamic history. The chapters are arranged chronologically, starting with the pre-Islamic Arabia and ending with the Abbasid Caliphate. The book also includes maps, illustrations, tables, charts, and a bibliography.

The book aims to provide a comprehensive and objective account of Islamic history, based on primary and secondary sources. The author also tries to highlight the achievements and contributions of Muslims in various fields such as science, art, literature, law, philosophy, and politics. The book also discusses the challenges and conflicts that Muslims faced from both internal and external enemies.

The book is written in a clear and concise style, suitable for both students and general readers. The book covers a lot of ground in a relatively short space, but it does not sacrifice depth or accuracy. The book also offers some insights and analysis on the causes and effects of certain events and trends in Islamic history.

The book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of Islam and its civilization. The book is also a good introduction to the rich and diverse heritage of Muslims. The book is available as a PDF file for free download on various websites.

Some of the main topics that the book covers are:

• The life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the revelation of the Quran.

• The early expansion of Islam and the establishment of the first Islamic state under the four rightly guided caliphs.

• The emergence of the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties and their political, cultural, and religious achievements.

• The development of various schools of Islamic thought and jurisprudence, such as Sunni, Shia, Sufi, and Kharijite.

• The rise and fall of various Muslim empires and kingdoms, such as the Fatimids, the Seljuks, the Almoravids, the Almohads, the Ayyubids, the Mamluks, and the Ottomans.

• The interactions and relations between Muslims and other civilizations, such as the Byzantines, the Persians, the Mongols, the Crusaders, and the Europeans.

• The challenges and reforms that Muslims faced in the modern era, such as colonialism, nationalism, secularism, and fundamentalism.

The book also provides some suggestions for further reading and research on Islamic history. The book is a useful guide for anyone who wants to explore the fascinating and diverse history of Islam and its people.

One of the strengths of the book is that it does not present Islamic history as a monolithic or homogeneous entity, but rather as a complex and diverse phenomenon that reflects the diversity of Muslims themselves. The book also acknowledges the achievements and contributions of non-Muslims who influenced or were influenced by Islamic civilization. The book also avoids any bias or prejudice towards any sect or group of Muslims, and tries to present a balanced and fair view of Islamic history.

One of the limitations of the book is that it does not cover the history of Islam after the fall of Baghdad in 1258 A.D. The book also does not provide much detail on the history of Islam in regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. The book also does not address some of the contemporary issues and challenges that Muslims face in the 21st century. The book also does not include any illustrations or photographs that could enhance the visual appeal and understanding of the book.

Overall, the book is a well-written and well-researched introduction to Islamic history that covers the major events and developments from the rise of Islam to the fall of Baghdad. The book is suitable for both students and general readers who want to learn more about the history of Islam and its civilization. The book is also a good starting point for further reading and research on Islamic history. e0e6b7cb5c