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'Uthman ibn 'Affan

Legend or Liability?

Heather N Keaney author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oneworld Publications

Published:18th Feb '21

Should be back in stock very soon

'Uthman ibn 'Affan cover

The life and legacy of the controversial caliph who consolidated the text of the Qur’an and expanded the borders of Islam

‘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 Qur’an, and expanded the Arab empire. His opponents, however, accused him of being corrupt and questioned his legitimacy.

After twelve years ‘Uthman’s 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 Shi’i Islam. In this volume, Heather Keaney examines the life and legacy of the controversial caliph.

‘Keaney’s book offers as balanced a view of ‘Uthman’s 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 Islam’s nagging sectarian divisions and political thought.’

-- Fred M. Donner, Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Near Eastern History, University of Chi

ISBN: 9781786076977

Dimensions: 216mm x 135mm x 16mm

Weight: unknown

176 pages