The World of Islam: Culture, Religion, and Politics

Today, we briefly highlight the fall of the Umayyad dynasty and rise of the Abbasids in 750 CE. The focus of the episode will be on the development of early Shi`ism. We introduce the Imamis (Twelvers), the Isma`ilis (Seveners), and the Zaydis (Fivers). We also come across the notions of "Imam" and "Taqiyya."

Today, we briefly highlight the fall of the Umayyad dynasty and rise of the Abbasids in 750 CE. The focus of the episode will be on the development of early Shi`ism. We introduce the Imamis (Twelvers), the Isma`ilis (Seveners), and the Zaydis (Fivers). We also come across the notions of "Imam" and "Taqiyya."

The period in which Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan ruled the early Arab empire (685-705) was an important moment in the cementing of a unique Muslim identity. Among the many significant actions taken at this time was the establishment of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Sources and Additional Readings:The History of al-TabariThe First Dynasty of Islam       by G.R. HawtingThe Venture of Islam         by Marshall G.S. HodgsonThe Early Islamic Conquests       by  Fred M. Donner

The period in which Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan ruled the early Arab empire (685-705) was an important moment in the cementing of a unique Muslim identity. Among the many significant actions taken at this time was the establishment of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.  Sources and Additional Readings: The History of al-Tabari The First Dynasty of Islam       by G.R. Hawting The Venture of Islam         by Marshall G.S. HodgsonThe Early Islamic Conquests       by  Fred M. Donner

The period in which Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan ruled the early Arab empire (685-705) was an important moment in the cementing of a unique Muslim identity. Among the many significant actions taken at this time was the establishment of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Sources and Additional Readings:The History of al-TabariThe First Dynasty of Islam       by G.R. HawtingThe Venture of Islam         by Marshall G.S. HodgsonThe Early Islamic Conquests       by  Fred M. Donner

This episode highlights another round of internal strife within the early community (680-692). Umayyad rule is challenged from many corners. The grandson of Muhammad, Husayn and a number of his followers are massacred at Karbala, the Kharijites dominate central Arabia, and Abdullah Ibn al-Zubayr establishes himself as a serious alternative to the Umayyads. 

This episode highlights another round of internal strife within the early community (680-692). Umayyad rule is challenged from many corners. The grandson of Muhammad, Husayn and a number of his followers are massacred at Karbala, the Kharijites dominate central Arabia, and Abdullah Ibn al-Zubayr establishes himself as a serious alternative to the Umayyads. 

This episode highlights another round of internal strife within the early community (680-692). Umayyad rule is challenged from many corners. The grandson of Muhammad, Husayn and a number of his followers are massacred at Karbala, the Kharijites dominate central Arabia, and Abdullah Ibn al-Zubayr establishes himself as a serious alternative to the Umayyads.

This episode discusses what could be described with some reservations as the first sectarian group to rise within Islam. The Kharijites are often presented as a radical and violent group that terrorized the early community. What do we make of this image? This short introduction to the Kharijites gives some initial guidance in trying to answer this question.  Sources and Additional Readings: Kitab al-milal wal-nihal          by al-Shahrastani     Les schismes dans l'Islam      by Henri Laoust

This episode discusses what could be described with some reservations as the first sectarian group to rise within Islam. The Kharijites are often presented as a radical and violent group that terrorized the early community. What do we make of this image? This short introduction to the Kharijites gives some initial guidance in trying to answer this question.Sources and Additional Readings:Kitab al-milal wal-nihal by al-Shahrastani Les schismes dans l'Islam by Henri Laoust

This episode discusses what could be described with some reservations as the first sectarian group to rise within Islam. The Kharijites are often presented as a radical and violent group that terrorized the early community. What do we make of this image? This short introduction to the Kharijites gives some initial guidance in trying to answer this question. Sources and Additional Readings:Kitab al-milal wal-nihal          by al-Shahrastani    Les schismes dans l'Islam      by Henri Laoust

This week marks the anniversary of the passing of Mohammed Arkoun (1928-2010) who was a professor of the history of Islamic thought at the Sorbonne in Paris. This is a tribute to this unique thinker and scholar. 

This week marks the anniversary of the passing of Mohammed Arkoun (1928-2010) who was a professor of the history of Islamic thought at the Sorbonne in Paris. This is a tribute to this unique thinker and scholar. 

This week marks the anniversary of the passing of Mohammed Arkoun (1928-2010) who was a professor of the history of Islamic thought at the Sorbonne in Paris. This is a tribute to this unique thinker and scholar.

This episode discusses the rule of Ali ibn Abi Talib (656-661), which is also the time of the First Civil War, a traumatic event in the life of the early Muslim community. Sources and Further Reading: The History of al-TabariThe Venture of Islam         by Marshall G.S. HodgsonThe Early Islamic Conquests       by  Fred M. Donner