The Succession To Muhammad: a Study Of the Early Caliphate

Wilferd Madelung’s The Succession to Muhammad offers a scholarly examination of the events surrounding the early caliphate. The book delves into the political, religious, and social tensions that emerged after Prophet Muhammad’s death, particularly the disputes over leadership. Madelung provides a nuanced analysis of key figures, including Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, and their roles in shaping Islamic governance. The work also explores how these events influenced Sunni and Shia perspectives. This meticulously researched book is essential for understanding the complexities of early Islamic history and the roots of ongoing sectarian divisions within the Muslim world.