Islamic History: Volume 2, AD 750-1055 (AH 132-448): A New Interpretation [Paperback]

M. A. Shaban (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 1978 | ISBN-10: 0521294533 | ISBN-13: 978-0521294539

This book is a sequel to the author's Islamic History A.D. 600-750 (A.H. 132). A New Interpretation. It presents for the first time a clear narrative analysis of the central events in the Islamic domains between the rise of the 'Abbasids and the Saljuq invasion (A.D. 750-1055/ A.H. 132-448). This period witnessed the establishment of a new regime, its failure to live up to its revolutionary ideals and the gradual dissolution of a vast empire into lesser political entitles. The task of creating a political structure supported by viable institutions to rule their territories proved beyond the 'Abbasids. Nor were they able to accomplish the economic integration of the empire, largely expanding urban centres with those of the rural communities. The result was endemic revolts in rural areas, notably those of Babak, the Zanj and the Qaramita. The wealth of the 'Abbasid empire attracted vast volumes of international trade. Each region in the empire wished to pursue its own interest in this trade, and competition for an ever-larger share soon developed into uncontrollable interregional strife. Lacking political and economic organization to maintain the integrity of their empire, the 'Abbasids resorted to military power. Consequently military leaders established their own rule in the regions and became powerful adversaries to central government. On the other hand the local populations in the outer provinces rose under their chiefs and also became aggressive opponents. It is these developments that explain the rise of the Tahirids, Samanids, Saffarids, Buyids, Ghaznavids, Tulunids, Hamdanids, and other regional power groups. Dr Shaban also studies the rise to power in Tunisia and later in Egypt, replacing the crumbling rule of military dynasties in both provinces. The revolutionary idealism of the Fatimids, however, failed to win the support of their subject populations, and their economic policies led to the ruination of their regime. The arrival of the Saljuqs on the scene marks the beginning of a new epoch in Islamic history. Dr Shaban has based his book on a fresh study of the original sources, and he offers many new and challenging insights into the historical account of the period. He has kept in view the needs of the reader who might be bewildered by the mass of proper names involved and has deliberately concentrated on the main outlines of the period as a whole.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

This book presents for the first time a clear narrative analysis of the central events in the Islamic domains between the rise of the 'Abbasids and the Saljuq invasion (A.D. 750-1055/ A.H. 132-448). Dr Shaban has based his book on a fresh study of the original sources, and he offers many new and challenging insights into the historical account of the period. He has kept in view the needs of the reader who might be bewildered by the mass of proper names involved and has deliberately concentrated on the main outlines of the period as a whole.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 30, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521294533
• ISBN-13: 978-0521294539
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,795,055 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Islamic History - A New Interpretation, January 23, 2000

By 

Loren Ray Wallen (Sacramento California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Islamic History: Volume 1, AD 600-750 (AH 132): A New Interpretation (v. 1) (Paperback)

Shaban's work focuses primarily on the economic factors which influenced early Islamic history. He re-examines such well studied topics as the reasons behind Medina's acceptance of Mohammad (and his followers) leadership and the deaths of Ali, Hasan & Hussain through an economic rather than a theological lense. Accordingly, he stresses throughout his work that the spread of Islam outside the Arabian peninsula was far more a result of economic necessity than religious zeal.

Shaban's work is perhaps most accesible when he focuses on the very early period of the Prophet and the rightly guided Caliphs. As he moves into the early Ummayad period the work becomes rather dense and somewhat difficult to follow. None the less, his observations on the respective geopolitical positions of Syria, Arabia, and Mesopotamia (present day Iraq) during the period when Islam was expanding outside of the peninsula, whatever the reasons, are fascinating and go a long way in answering questions about the Middle East as it stands today.

Shaban's work can best be appreciated by someone who is familier with "accepted" theories of Islamic history and yet is interested in a different yet highly plausible account of how the faith spread beyond its early converts.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Qurra !, October 26, 2007

By 

Howitzer (WI USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Islamic History: Volume 2, AD 750-1055 (AH 132-448): A New Interpretation (Paperback)

Qurra are people of the villages and not the quran recieters ? author clearly tries to diminish the importance of this small but very vocal group of early muslims .....they killed uthman , supported Ali and always fought against tyrants ....in a way they saved Islam from extinction at the hands of pagan arabs ...may God reward them with the best of rewards

3 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The Agenda is Clear !!, August 14, 2000

By 

A. Raza (Flushing, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Islamic History: Volume 1, AD 600-750 (AH 132): A New Interpretation (v. 1) (Paperback)

The agenda is quite clear - to mislead the people and to alleviate the status of those people who were clearly enemies of the mission of the Prophet of Islam. The author calls Muawiyah "a person of Hilm" and "indeed Ameerul Mumineen". I think it is sufficient to introduce Muawiyah as "son of Hinda" and somebody who fathered "Yazeed" Muawiyah was kind and forbearing only when he had to face a powerful person who, he feared, might curb his power and topple his government. If Anybody wants to learn about his treachery - he should study the terms of his agreement with Hasan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib and see how much he remained faithful to the terms of the agreement. He was simply a power hungary politician. There are other better authors who have been quite neutral in judging about personalities.