The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates: The Islamic Near East from the 6th to the 11th Century

A History of the Near East

by Hugh Kennedy

Based on original Arabic sources, the new edition of this well-established text has been comprehensively revised. The book covers the life of Muhammad and the birth of Islam, through the great days of the Ummayad and Abbasid Caliphates (8th-10th centuries), to the period of political fragmentation which followed it when Islam lost its core unity, never to be recovered.

Genres: History, Islam, Middle East, Religion, Nonfiction, Academic, History and Politics

440 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

NOTE: There is more than one author with this name on Goodreads.
Hugh^Kennedy

Has studies Arabic at the Middle East Centre for Arabic Studies. Went on to read Arabic, Persian & History at Cambridge. Taught in the Department of Medieval History at St Andrews since 1972, and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2000).

Reviews

[Wendelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

preeminent general history on the origins, development, and character of early Islam. The textbook has an adequately deserved reputation for objectivity, balance and detail. Unlike other world religions that began as mystical movements that lucked upon the winds of fortune for their longevity and success, Islam sprung into existence ready with single-minded focus on its sustained political dominion, expansion, and community cohesion. The Prophet originated this through political programmes that incentivized conversion and faithfulness, encouraged overtures to and raids of surrounding communities, reluctantly expelled coexisting groups that disrupted overarching Islamic governance, and incorporated syncretic elements from previous pagan practices into Islam-- most evidently the continued sanctity of Mecca-- that did not contradict the strict monotheism hallowed in the theology of Islam. His heirs throughout the caliphates cultivated centralization of political power and religious leadership against some challenges and dispersive rebellions that sought to redistribute Islamic authority among other, mostly non-Arabic, factions. There is wonderful and abundant detail on the chronology and society of the caliphates in this book. read 1/3 to be finished throughout the academic year.

[Carlos · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started really well but turned ever worse towards the end. Kennedy does a great job in giving the necessary, though not overwhelming, political background needed to understand the rise of Islam and he likewise paints a good image of the political realities of Mecca and Medina during the first years of the Hijra. He then follows that up with a really good description of the first 4 caliphs and manages to give the reader a detailed account of the difficulties that arose in managing such a fast-growing religion that not only had tribal affiliations to deal with but also had to contend with structuring a growing empire. His description of the rise Umayyad and fall of the Abbasid caliphates are equally good, especially his conclusion regarding as the reasons behind the rather surprising lack of interaction between Europe and the growing Islamic empire at this time. What follows is unfortunately much less clear, due in no small part because the Islamic empire fractured into various emirates which not only makes the political history of the former caliphate territories increasingly difficult to follow, but it also results in the introduction of tens of tribal groups that make this enterprise almost impossible. Kennedy, to his credit, tries to make sense of all of this with the novel, and well supported, argument that it is precisely these emirates with gave rise to the Golden Age of Islam possible. However, the book ends up becoming so intricate, with chapters charting the rise and fall of so many dynasties and tribes, that the reader is left exhausted by the time that Kennedy discusses the other great caliphate, the Fatimid, in Egypt. In conclusion I would recommend reading the first half of this book and if the reader is feeling exceedingly brave to continue to the second half.

[Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good summary of the Umayyads and abbasids, though it cost 43 pounds! It was really short for the price I payed for it. As a book, its too brief and more of what you would expect from a wikipedia article about the early medieval Near East rather than a full-blown academic discourse with archeological evidence.

[C. B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fine book that gives one the perfect, in depth introduction to the earlier history of Islam. Kennedy has the ideal academic style for my tastes, being very well tempered and clear, but also with a great friendliness and joviality towards the reader.
I would jump at the chance to read another Hugh Kennedy book. Excellent!

[Stanley Preschlack · Rating 4 out of 5]

the second part is significantly more readable than the middle, which can become a mess of figures and complex events. the discussion of background historical context and the early historical development of islam during the lifetime of the prophet is fantastic and very illuminating. the second half focuses on the economy and politics and other specific subjects facets of the abbasid especially. there are many refreshing breaks from the orientalist habits of british histories of the “near east” although at times the edwardian criticism of “dates and leaders” becomes apparent. all said, a good supplement would be a book on the artistic and literary history of the abbasid, but this is a fantastic introduction to the first three caliphates

[Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive introduction to the early history of Islam with emphasis on its theological origins and developments, political structures and integrations, ethnic and cultural identities, as well as its interactions with the outside world. Being a general history book, this one isn't particularly impressive for two reasons: 1) the book occasionally goes into lengthy recounts of otherwise insignificant details while leaving other more critical discussions unfinished; 2) the language in which the book's written was tedious and monotonous. It is questionable whether I'd have the patience to thoroughly finish the whole book had it not been one of my assigned readings.

[Malika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, but one thing is clear: The occident learned from their mistakes, but not the Middle Eastern people.

[Nicholas Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like other reviews, the first half is quite good but past the Buyids things started to turn into a bit of a slog with a chapter devoted to each minor realm which succeded the Abbasids

[Ron Nurmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief history of the spread of Islam from the Prophet to the 11th century with coverage of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Egypt.

[Noa Battistel · Rating 5 out of 5]

c’était long mais absolument parfait pour comprendre les caliphats, l’extension de l’islam et de la culture arabo-islamique. très très bien pour débuter sur l’histoire du Moyen Orient pré moderne.

[AskHistorians]

Often relied upon as a major teaching tool for introductory coursework for its excellent explanations and readability, yet broad subject matter. An excellent starting point for anyone interested in Islam, particularly in the period prior to the Crusades.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tedious but nonetheless very informative.

[David Smiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An overwhelming amount of information on the Caliphates. If Islamic Studies is your thing, then it's probably great.