'Uthman ibn 'Affan: Legend or Liability

(Hardback)

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"Uthman ibn Affan (d. 656) was an early convert to Islam and the third successor to the Prophet Muhammad. As caliph, he established the first Islamic navy, consolidated the text of the Quran, and expanded the Arab empire. His opponents, however, accused him of being corrupt and questioned his legitimacy. After twelve years, Uthmans troubled caliphate ended in revolt. His death at the hands of rebels led to civil war and contributed to the eventual split between Sunni and Shii Islam. In this volume, Heather Keaney examines the life of Uthman ibn Affan and his legacy in the Muslim world today."

Reviews

Keaneys book offers as balanced a view of Uthmans life, character and policies as one could hope for She skilfully traces how the controversies that first arose with Uthman in the seventh century were spun out in later centuries by various Islamic thinkers, right up to the twenty-first century and the Arab Spring. Clearly and engagingly written throughout, it is an outstanding introduction to Islams nagging sectarian divisions and political thought.

Author Bio

Heather Keaney is Associate Professor of History at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. She teaches, researches and writes on various religio-political debates in the medieval and modern Middle East. She is the author of Medieval Islamic Historiography.