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Description: Mu’awiua Ibn Sufyan (c.602-680) was the fifth and most elusive of the early caliphs. Notoriously guarded about his thoughts, motives and emotions, Mu’awiya was universally known as a figure of immense political acumen. Beyond this, opinions are deeply divided. Throughout history, some have accused him of betraying Muhammad’s model of ideal Muslim leadership whilst others credit him with reuniting an empire in disarray and transforming the Caliphate into a practicable form of government.
In light of these debates, Humphreys critically analyses the sources available, getting as close as possible to a historical account of the founder of the Umayyad dynasty. Combining examination of his public image and personal qualities, this helpful introduction earthly temptations, and his exceptional skills as ruler of a vast empire. Using an extensive range of sources, and containing a fascinating analysis of early Islamic society, it will prove of great interest to general readers and experts alike.
Contents: The problem of Mu"awiya • Mu"awiya in the eyes of later muslims • How do we know what we claim to know: The sources for mu"awiya"s life • Mu"awiya"s career: a chronological sketch • The first three decades (600-632) • The meccan milieu • The politics of genealogy: why mu"awiya"s ancestry is important • The lineage of Mu"awiya • the Banu Umayya • The descendants of "Abd Manaf: the clans of "Abd Shams and Hashim • Laying the foundations of power: Mu"awiya as master of Syria (632-656) • Mu"awiya and the conquest of Syria • Mu"awiya becomes governor • The war against Byzantium • The war at sea: creating the muslim navy • The war in Anatolia and Armenia • Mu" awiya and the arab tribes in syria • The first civil war and mu"awiya"s rise to power (656-661) • The revolt against "Uthman • The aftermath: who can claim the right to rule? • The confrontation between "Ali and Mu"awiya • Commander of the faithful (661-680) • The war against byzantium renewed • The prince of our disorder: mu"awiya as a symbol of cultural tension • Bibliography • Index.ISBN - 9781851684021
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Pages : 160
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