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  • Islamic History

  • A Very Short Introduction
  • Written by: Adam J. Silverstein
  • Narrated by: Neil Shah
  • Length: 4 hrs and 31 mins
  • 1.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

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Islamic History

Written by: Adam J. Silverstein
Narrated by: Neil Shah
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Publisher's Summary

Does history matter? This book argues not that history matters, but that Islamic history does. This very short introduction introduces the story of Islamic history; the controversies surrounding its study; and the significance that it holds - for Muslims and for non-Muslims alike.  

Opening with a lucid overview of the rise and spread of Islam, from the seventh to 21st century, the book charts the evolution of what was originally a small, localized community of believers into an international religion with over a billion adherents. Chapters are also dedicated to the peoples - Arabs, Persians, and Turks - who shaped Islamic history, and to three representative institutions - the mosque, jihad, and the caliphate - that highlight Islam's diversity over time.  

Finally, the roles that Islamic history has played in both religious and political contexts are analysed, while stressing the unique status that history enjoys among Muslims, especially compared to its lowly place in Western societies where history is often seen as little more than something that is not to be repeated.  

Some of the questions that will be answered include:  

  • How did Islam arise from the obscurity of seventh century Arabia to the headlines of 21st-century media? 
  • How do we know what we claim to know about Islam's rise and development? 
  • Why does any of this matter, either to Muslims or to non-Muslims?
©2010 Adam J. Silverstein (P)2018 Tantor

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    1 out of 5 stars

Not really a book on history

The author talks a lot about the philosophy of history rather than history itself, then uses this as an excuse to not trust historical sources. He then proceeds to provide his own skewed interpretation of events and even religious writing, as if that's more reliable than trusting the countless scholars and historians who dedicated their lives in pursuing knowledge and transmission. The author also kept using contemporary events of Muslims acting unjustly and generalized all Muslims and Islam itself. The author also outright lies in many places. Such examples include how Muslims believe Alexander the great of being a prophet, and how the treaty of Hudaybiyyah was broken by the Muslims. How was this even approved as an introduction to Islamic History?

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