Rebel and the Imam in Early Islam: Explorations in Muslim Historiography

Najam Haider challenges modern notions of history by proposing a new model for Muslim historical writing that draws on Late Antique historiography. He discusses three key case studies to call for a new line of inquiry that focuses on larger historiographical questions, rejecting artificial divisions between Sunni and Shi'i historical writing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Engaging with contemporary debates about the sources that shape our understanding of the early Muslim world, Najam Haider presents a novel model for Muslim historical writing that seeks to challenge the imposition of modern notions of history on a pre-modern society. Haider delves into three key case studies, namely the revolt of Mukhtar b. Abi Ubayd (d. 67/687), the life of the Twelver Shi i Imam Musa al-Kazim (d. 183/799), and the rebellion and subsequent demise of the Zaydi Shi i Imam Yahya b. Abd Allah (d. 187/803), in advocating for a fresh line of inquiry that prioritizes larger historiographical questions. In doing so, he rejects artificial divisions between Sunni and Shi i historical writing.

The early Muslim world was characterized by a rich and complex tapestry of historical writing, produced by a diverse range of authors and audiences. The rules that governed historical writing in this period were governed by a variety of factors, including religious beliefs, cultural norms, and political considerations. Historians of the early Muslim world sought to capture the essence of their society and its place in the world, and to provide a valuable record of the events and people that shaped its history.

The intended audiences for these works were diverse, ranging from religious scholars and scholars of Islamic law to laypeople and political leaders. Historians of the early Muslim world sought to provide a comprehensive and accurate account of their society, and to offer insights into the beliefs, practices, and values that shaped it. They also sought to provide a valuable resource for future generations, to help them understand the origins and development of their religion and culture.

One of the key challenges that historians of the early Muslim world faced was the need to balance the need for accuracy and completeness with the constraints of their sources. Many of the primary sources for the study of early Muslim history were written in Arabic, and were often difficult to access and interpret. Historians had to rely on a range of secondary sources, including works of literature, poetry, and philosophy, to supplement their primary sources and to gain a deeper understanding of their society.

Despite these challenges, historians of the early Muslim world have made significant contributions to our understanding of the early Muslim world. They have helped to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of this society, and have provided valuable insights into the beliefs, practices, and values that shaped it. They have also helped to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions that are often associated with this period of history, and have contributed to a more nuanced and complex understanding of the early Muslim world.

In conclusion, the study of early Muslim history is a rich and complex field that requires a careful and nuanced approach. By drawing on a range of primary and secondary sources, and by seeking to balance the need for accuracy and completeness with the constraints of their sources, historians of the early Muslim world have been able to make significant contributions to our understanding of this period of history. The study of early Muslim history is a valuable resource for scholars and laypeople alike history, and can help us to better understand the origins and development of our world.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108708142