Book Review [161] : After The Prophet

After The Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia - Sunni Split in Islam by Lesley Hazleton is another well researched book on the history of Islam. After the death of Muhammad in Media in June 632 AD, a Shura was held and after much debate and heated argument Abu Bakr of Quraysh tribe was declared as Caliph i.e. deputy of Muhammad. Ali did not attend the Shura as he was present with the body of Muhammad inside the chamber of Aisha. This created the the basis of future schism in Islam. Abu Bakr was followed by Umar as Caliph and Umar was followed by Uthman. Uthman was assassinated by disgruntled rebels who thought Uthman was giving more power to the Ummayyad clan. Ummayyad clan had been the arch rival of Muhammad since the days of revelation. The rebels declared Ali the next Caliph but he was challenged by Aisha in the battle of Camels. Ali emerged victorious but he was further challenged by the son of Abu Sufyan and another Ummayyad leader Muawiya. Muawiya was the Governor of Syria. The battle results in the victory of Ali but he could not decisively defeat his enemy. By diplomacy and shrewdness Muawiya managed to declare himself as Caliph, and Ali was assassinated in a Mosque in Kufa. His eldest son Hasan was poisoned in Medina. 

Ali's youngest son Hussain decides to press his claim to the Caliphate. He was buoyed by the letters of support that he received from Iraq. He starts with his family and 72 armed companions from Mecca in sept 680 AD. The support from Iraq never came and he, his family and his 72 companions were cut down by the army of Yazid and Ubaydallah in Karbala over a period of 10 days. Even his three months old infant son was killed. It was a huge tragedy and it permanently sealed the schism of Islam into Shiat Ali and Sunnis. Its a nicely written book and the tragedy of Karbala brought me in tears. Its a huge calamity and a great sacrifice.

Must read book. Highly Recommended (10/10)