The life and legacy of one of Mohammad’s closest confidants and Islam’s patron saint: Ali ibn Abi Talib
“The best biography of Ali I’ve ever read.”—Reza Aslan
“This erudite but readable book shows why the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law Ali is central to Islam today, and should be both an inspiration and a figure for reconciliation.”—John McHugo, author of A Concise History of Sunnis & Shi’is
Ali ibn Abi Talib is arguably the single most important spiritual and intellectual authority in Islam after prophet Mohammad. Through his teachings and leadership as fourth caliph, Ali nourished Islam. But Muslims are divided on whether he was supposed to be Mohammad’s political successor—and he continues to be a polarizing figure in Islamic history.
Hassan Abbas provides a nuanced, compelling portrait of this towering yet divisive figure and the origins of sectarian division within Islam. Abbas reveals how, after Mohammad, Ali assumed the spiritual mantle of Islam to spearhead the movement that the prophet had led. While Ali’s teachings about wisdom, justice, and selflessness continue to be cherished by both Shia and Sunni Muslims, his pluralist ideas have been buried under sectarian agendas and power politics. Today, Abbas argues, Ali’s legacy and message stands against that of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Taliban.
Kindle Customer –
Really Good Book Very Informative – Could Be Reffrenced Better
Being reasied in a Sunni household and reading the book as a Sunni Muslim I can this book is written very well and dose indeed attempt to bring together various narrations and reports of Imam Alis life into 1 work. The Auther has done a great job at using both Sunni reffrences as well as Shias. For example you find he has cited some great Sunni scholars such ad Imam Asuyti, Tabari, Ahmed Ibn Hanbal and more. Many events of Imam Alis life are presented in detail however for future buyers i would say the book has 2 main downfalls. Firstly the book is written with a Shia theme and narrative which is not a bad as long as you are aware of other opinions of events so therefore I would recomend the reader to also purchuse another biography of Imam Ali which has a sunni narrative if the reader wants to check the Sunni view of Imam Alis events. Lastly I would say the most annoying part of this book was that a good chunk of the reffrences where academic research papers from western universities, I feel a personality such as Imam Ali could only be done partial justice if more classical early islam books where cited more often in the book in comparison to academic papers. This also limits audience attraction. If they reffrenced where soley from classical Islamic works I think the Athour would have a much stronger argument to present to the readers. Overall 4 stars! Well written defo worth buying for your library! Worth the buy for me
One person found this helpful
Dr Saqib –
Polemical
Basically propaganda. All sorts of unsubstantiated and romanticized notions. This is quite clearly not a work of scholarship. It’s very simply annoying propaganda
Salman Ashburni –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great work of scholarship!!
This is an excellent work, both in content and in language. Touches on all the aspects of the life of Ali ibn Abi Talib, who is one of the most charismatic as well as enigmatic figures in history. The author took up the daunting task of bringing to light, some of the painful truths in Islamic history. The book dares the reader to look at history from a different perspective. It presents a seamless chronological picture and deeply penetrates the life and legacy of this great personality. The work traces the pre-Islamic tribal history, and the life of Prophet Muhammad with whom, the life of Ali ibn Abi Talib was inextricably intertwined.The books also does an excellent job of unmasking Ali’s rivals and enemies, and uncovers some of the facts that tend to get buried in the grand narratives that would sometimes be used to sugar-coat the disturbing aspects of Islamic history, particularly after the death of the prophet.The author has used texts from both sides of the aisle, referenced primary sources as well as contemporary western scholarly works. In the end would like to quote the author Dr. Hassan Abbas here “… the truth in history sometimes hurts, but it also holds the promise to liberate those who are willing to accept it”
12 people found this helpful
Hasnain Walji –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A book that engages the scholar as much as it captivates a lay reader
Masterfully, in just under 300 pages, Professor Hassan Abbas has contributed to building a rich tapestry of Ali’s life, and in doing so redressing some gaps and disparities with a fluidity of prose that engages the scholar as much as it captivates a lay reader. He has also skillfully navigated historical reports from the early sources based on Sunni and Shia partisan interpretations. He brings a refreshing balance by focusing on the commonalities of the two traditions, albeit without sacrificing clarity on challenging issues at the altar of diplomacy.The Prophet’s Heir. The Life of Ali ibn Abi Talib, with its rich illustrations, timelines and extensive bibliography is a refreshing and relevant repertoire, worthy of a broad-based readership and will be of interest as much to the academic as to a lay reader, a Muslim or non-Muslim, and may well serve as a definitive primer in Islamic history for schools and colleges. Hopefully, it will also enhance empathetic understanding to narrow the schism in the Muslim Community.Quoting Professor Muqtedar Khan, Professor Abbas drives the point home: ‘Everybody Loves Ali’, ‘If Ali can help Muslims come closer to God, why can’t he also be someone who brings Muslims closer to each other?Hasnain Walji
10 people found this helpful
Matt Dearing –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Among the most important books in Middle East history
Hassan Abbas’ book is an incredible dive into the history and politics of Islam through the life of Ali ibn Abi Talib. This is a must read for students, scholars, and curious minds interested in the origins and evolution of Islamic thought, and in particular ideas and actions that unite Sunni and Shia Muslims. Thoroughly sourced, yet accessible to a novice audience on Islamic history, this is an important contribution to our understanding of Ali – an inspirational figure meant to bring Muslims together, rather than divide. As a scholar and practitioner of international security, I find this book ranks among the best and important contributions to our understanding of Middle East history.
9 people found this helpful
Emily –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Captivating and Highly Informative – Perfect for Students
I have to say this is a really exceptional introduction to the personality of Ali, and even to Islam. Non-muslim or muslim, you have to appreciate the thorough research and beautiful language that conveys what could’ve been a boring general historical narrative into a real story. I finished the book in a weekend and have to say I came out of the experience with a deep fascination for mysticism, which wasn’t expected but a great bonus. The author definitely put a lot of time, effort, and heart into this and students of Islam, religion, history will benefit greatly from it. I would highly recommend this to anyone and everyone.
4 people found this helpful
Shabbir Hussain –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Well-Organized Masterpiece Of Historical Significance
Ali ibn Abi Talib is a great personality in Islam and this book is an excellent effort to emphasize Ali’s influence and contribution on Islam right from its early and struggling years until today. It discusses a complex question of succession in Islam, which is widely considered as an un-resolved issue. This book is a very well-organized masterpiece consisting of historical narrations and meaningful illustrations to convey Ali’s importance during and after the roll-out of Islam by Prophet Muhammad. The book flows through an exceptionally smooth and systematic read from beginning to end. Professor Abbas has substantiated material with abundant references to ensure credibility.
13 people found this helpful
J. MoughaniaJ. Moughania –
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Introduction to Islam
Dr. Hassan Abbas does an excellent job with this unique work in presenting the life of Ali ibn Abi Talib within a highly academic context. Beyond covering the life of Ali, this book is an extremely useful and well organized introduction to Islam for non-Muslim readers. It is unbiased, objective, well-researched and an excellent addition to the library on Islamic history and Islam more generally. I immensely enjoyed and benefited reading this book.
5 people found this helpful
Sarah PSarah P –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly Recommended.
It’s a quite detailed and well-described history of Hazrat Ali (as) and Islam.
3 people found this helpful
Amir A. –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent historical summary of most controversial topic in Islam
Very skillful and scholarly review of the life of Ali ibn Abi Talib and the controversy of succession after the death of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). The author has presented scholarly arguments from historical accounts on who was the rightful heir of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW). I am glad this book is available now in English that I can refer to discuss this topic with my family and friends.
7 people found this helpful
Bashir Datoo –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Balanced narrative
A balanced use of diverse sources to provide a comprehensive, logical narrative that defies biased, sectarian interpretations of the life and contributions of a great personality
One person found this helpful
Surf –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book. Highly recommend to read if you want to understand true Islam.
Great book. Highly recommend to read if you want to understand true Islam.
2 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Educational and storytelling style
I have just started reading this book and it has inspired me. The book gives details that makes it easy to understand and remember.
4 people found this helpful
shak17 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant!!
A must read for everyone!!
2 people found this helpful
Jay ZJay Z –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Mystifying Tale of an Extraordinary Leader who deserves to be emulated by All
This is a book about the life and personality of a political, spiritual and religious master, Ali (PBUH). Most of the Sufi orders claim their descent from Ali (PBUH) and Rumi’s poetry is inspired by Ali (PBUH). Few figures of nascent Islam had as pervasive and enduring an influence-both symbolic and actual-on the unfolding of Islamic thought, culture, and spirituality as Ali (PBUH).This is a highly engrossing book that is very relevant to today’s highly polarized world order. The author is a scholar and academic in the field of South Asian and Middle Eastern studies. His research focuses on security issues pertaining to governance, law enforcement and counter terrorism. In the book, Dr. Abbas covers the life, personality and sayings of Ali (PBUH), based on numerous sources from the Sunni, Shia and Sufi traditions. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about a visionary leader that should be emulated by all.The author starts off by describing the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his relationship to Ali (PBUH) and highlights the fact that Ali (PBUH) was a student of the prophet and continued the prophetic traditions later as the spiritual guardian. He then describes the succession politics and Ali’s role as the fourth Caliph and his legacy. The author concludes by sharing his thoughts on Ali (PBUH) and the future of Islam.I believe this book is highly relevant to today’s world as it highlights why Ali (PBUH) is a “force for good” and understanding him and his stance on life and spirituality will bring various Muslim sects together, while also educating Non-Muslims on the commonalities that exist between all Abrahamic faiths.
6 people found this helpful
Trall Husbjorn –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating perspective on an under-told component of Islam
With great sensitivity and insight, the author draws an engaging portrait of Ali Ibn Abi Talib. The book is particularly compelling in its emphasis of pluralism as a central component of Ali’s teaching – a message from the past with great relevance also for today. The field is enriched by this account and by its courage to challenge prevailing sectarian readings. Indeed, Abbas effectively but unassumingly shows the yawning gap between this “conventional wisdom” and wisdom in its true form. Definitely recommended!
3 people found this helpful
Abbas ALi –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Knowing and emulating Ali will surely make you kinder, gentler and generous and compassionate
A well written masterpiece on the best of the best, the foremost, the one who has the passport to the straight path, the brother of the prophet, the one by means of whom followers and successful ones are recognized-Ali ibne Abu Talib
5 people found this helpful
sammy_boy –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderfully well written work
Outstanding scholarly work on an extremely important topic. Five stars.
2 people found this helpful
rehan Syed –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding book
The book is very good and informative…
5 people found this helpful
Mona Syed –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Valuable information
Valuable information, easy to read. Based on historical facts and very well researched.I would recommend it
4 people found this helpful
Yashna Islam –
Loved the book!
A great purchase. I loved how the Author wrote and explained the differences as well as presented true facts without any bias!
Omar –
Well written, but not objective.
The author presents this book as an unbiased biography which takes equally from both Shia and Sunni sources. This disingenuous at best and a flat out lie at worst. While the book does faithfully narrate many parts of prophetic biography it tends to leave out parts that don’t conform with the overall Shi’ite narrative. The author gladly mentions that the Sunni source Bukhari says that Ali was with Muhammad in his last moments, but fails to mention that the exact same source also says that Aisha was with the prophet at the moment he died. Obviously the source is in conflict with itself, and that is worth noting in any serious work of history but it’s just glossed over here. This illustrates the general trend of the book; where Sunni and Shi’ite traditions diverge, the author tends to present the Shi’ite version as the undisputed truth (not always, he does present both views how many daughters the Prophet had, for example).Furthermore there is basically no attempt at objective narrative voice throughout the book. Ali’s status as Muhammad’s heir is never called into question, nor are any opposing arguments seriously discussed. The part of the book which discusses the question of Imamate borders on polemical, it’s seriously an embarrassment to the field of Islamic Studies (who uses “so-called theologians” when describing advocates of the opposing position??).The traditional Umayyad hate (present in basically all early Muslim sources, which is not suprising given these sources were most often written under the auspices of the Abbasid court) is also peppered throughout the book without any thought given to the serious reevaluation of their role in the development of Islamic belief that has taken place in the historical community in recent years.This is a very well written and thoroughly researched *Shi’ite* biography of Ali. It is not in any sense a work of historical study.