When Power and Piety Collide: A Critical Analysis of Early Caliphate in Islam: Understanding the Present by Knowing the Past

by Moustafa Al-Qazwini

In our present era, it is most disturbing for many Muslims and non-Muslims alike to witness the escalating rise in sectarian violence between the Shia and Sunni followers of Islam, particularly in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Some people, including Muslims, ask why the Shia and Sunni are violently murdering each other; is there something in the history of the Muslims that continues to spark such hatred and violence today; why does one sect accuse the other of heresy; and why is one sect of the Muslims considered as “mainstream,” while the other wing is branded unconventional and literally pacified?

Unquestionably, seeded in the history of Islam is the answer - in particular, the political course that was taken following the death of the Holy Prophet and the way in which the early history of Islam was written. They say that history is bound to repeat itself and this is much more apparent today because the remnants and unconsciousness of Muslims in regards to their own history is affecting Muslims today. The account of the Muslims is not the classical historical case of not knowing their past, but rather, it is of not knowing the truth of its past. Thus, a closer examination into the past political and historical accounts of Islam is needed.

Over fourteen hundred years have passed since Prophet Muhammad bonded rival tribes, united neighbors, and partnered others to form one community - the Muslim ummah. However, from the moment that Prophet Muhammad publicly declared his prophethood and message until now, the internal relationship of the Muslim ummah has yet to synthesize fully because of the Shia-Sunni division. This is not to say that there is an internal rift within Islam, far from that! Muslims are united in the same God, they recite the same Holy Qur’an, face the same qiblah (direction of prayer), fast the same month (of
Ramadhan), and perform the pilgrimage to the same House (Ka’abah).

For many Muslims, the first three caliphs are highly revered and the unquestioning belief in the righteousness of them as the “rightly guided” caliphs lies at the heart of many Muslims’ faith. Nonetheless, the stark realization that these caliphs made severe misjudgments may surprise some, perhaps even bewilder or shatter their belief. Uncovering the truthful facts of the first three caliphs may seem disrespectful for some; however, this is actually a respectful attempt to restore Islam to its pristine, original form brought by Prophet Muhammad.

As difficult as it may be, we (Muslims) must be able to objectively examine the history of these three caliphs, re-examine and filter out our hadith sources, and then make sound judgment based on facts.

Since the “split” of the Muslims (Shia and Sunni) can be summoned to have intensified during the administration of the first three caliphs, and much of today’s estrangement of the Muslims can be traced back to their government, consequently, this book will outline the character, actions, qualifications, and consequences of these three individuals. The reports are based solely on the historical accounts of Sunni sources, such as the respected Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih al-Muslim , and other renowned Sunni scholars. Thus, no claim can be argued that the author is vindictively judging the three caliphs from outside sources. Furthermore, the readings will also cover the view of the Shia and shed some light as to why the Shia have been marginalized throughout the Muslim history.

186 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Ali Tehrani]

This is an informational guide that provides a brief overview of Islam's core tenets, from a Shi'a perspective. The book is easily at its best when it's quoting the Qu'ran or the examples of the Prophet or the Imams.

I consider myself a relatively knowledgeable Muslim, and I learned some new things and was reminded of other things that deepened my appreciation for Islam by reading this book.

But ultimately, this book is intended to convey a sense of what Islam is about. It does not intend to and does not delve into the spiritual beauty of Islam; it's not the most inspiring book. I would be shocked if someone read this and, on that basis, converted to Islam. But I think it does provide a general overview, a skeletal introduction of some key Islamic concepts. And for anyone looking for just that, I think this book would be a valuable read.

Even for someone with a more comprehensive understanding of Islam, this book may well be worth your time just as a source of reminders. It's a short book, and I think it took no more than 4 hours to read through its 128 pages.

[Hanan Al-zubaidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introductory book to Islam - provides a thorough breakdown of all aspects of the faith. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to lean more about Islam. I would also highly recommend this book to Muslim families who want to teach their children about Islam.

[Zahra Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good book on basics of Islam. Really a beginner book. Probably the first book you should read as an intro.

[Mark Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very straight forward and honest statement of what Islam is from a Muslim.