When Power and Piety Collide

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.

Genres: Islam, Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Rayan Sleiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly unadulterated historical timepiece that presents clear and concise factual information from unanimously agreed upon sources, stemming from valid and reliable books and authors. No hidden agendas. This book seeks to clarify the series of events post martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad as they appear in historical works. It has undoubtedly uncovered some very stark yet unquestionable realities that all Muslims ought to know, whether it befits their historical viewpoint or not, for the former is objective whereas the latter is subjective. An incredibly interested read.

[Chaudry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

A must b read to understand the division between Shia and Sunni. Well presented and written and backed by authentic Sunni sources.

[Mohd Faizin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book for who will accept shia view. Which shows why they reject Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman as khalifah after Rasulullah SAWA.