Mother of the Believers: A Novel of the Birth of Islam (Paperback)

~ Kamran Pasha (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Both epic and intimate, a glorious story." -- Amy Tan --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Review

"Superbly written, brilliantly realized." -- Steven Pressfield

"With insight and sensitivity, and in a beautiful balance of research and imagination, Kamran Pasha sheds light not only on the seminal figure of Aisha but on the origins of Islam. Mother of the Believers is both timely and timeless." -- Karen Essex, author of Leonardo's Swans

"With incredible scholarship and sensitivity, Kamran Pasha has crafted a remarkable tale and one that is long overdue. From the early days of persecution and enmity to the triumph of what will be one of the world's great religions, Aisha describes the struggle of a small band of believers to survive and ultimately to flourish in an environment that is by turns unforgiving and breathtakingly beautiful. This is a book of inspired and heartfelt imagination to be savored and enjoyed and an achievement of the first order." -- Frederick J. Chiaventone, author of Moon of Bitter Cold

"Both epic and intimate, a glorious story." -- Amy Tan

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Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Washington Square Press (April 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416579915
• ISBN-13: 978-1416579915
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #196,311 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Motivating, Inspiring and a must read! Incredible historical epic!, April 14, 2009

By	Tony Samadani - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Pasha's book is a true page-turner! His style of writing is captivating and engaging from beginning to end! His ability to bring to life the story of Islam through the eyes of Aisha is creative, bold and intentionally strategic.

I respect and admire his disclosure at the beginning of the book that it is purely a fiction novel. That his intent was to shed light upon such a passionate and uplifting story of struggle, patience, persistence, trust and love for humanity and most importantly God.

His reference to non-fiction works from Islamic scholars and of course the original reference the Quran is not only smart but responsible. Kamran makes it very clear that he wrote a fiction which is only made to inspire others to learn more about Islam - rather then turn them away.

I applaud his efforts and hope that millions of people get a chance to read such a wonderful novel.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing,Eye opening, Enlightening on Islam's History; I couldn't put it down!, June 16, 2009

By	Heather Mac Mamma (South Orange, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

Ohhh....so good! What an amazing Epic; fiction based on fact. This book was excellent and enlightening. I'm so glad I read it. I am a Catholic and know little about the Islamic faith with exception to the basics. This book opened my mind to the belief system of millions around the world. I am more sympathetic to Muslims. I now have a greater understanding of where the fighting stems from with the Sunnis and Shiites. I've learned so much while enjoying a great story and fun read. I couldn't put it down. You will not be disappointed!

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, April 17, 2009

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In the seventh century in the Arabian Desert, Muhammad has surfaced as a prophet who is gaining a loyal following. He envisions a woman as his wife and arranges with her father to marry Aisha, who may be his youngest wife, but by far the most intelligent and spirited of Muhammad's dozen. She is his favorite, but loses her place when the other wives accuse her of adultery to the Prophet. She tries to prove her innocence, but he receives a revelation from God that regains her position. When Medina is attacked, Aisha's bravery and leadership help save the day, but the Muslim men prefer docile women so she earns some respect but also perhaps more loathing. Muhammad becomes more than just a prophet as he becomes the Prophet uniting the Arabian tribes. However, God works in mysterious ways as soon after he succeeds in conquering the holy city of Mecca, Muhammad dies.

His nineteen year old youngest widow Aisha earns a position as advisor to the Caliph of Islam pushing for universal civil rights. Aisha becomes a teacher and a commander as perhaps the most powerful known female in the Muslim Empire. However, her efforts for the rights of women lead to civil war.

This work of biographical fiction is a great historical tale that brings insight to the early growth of Islam, the Muslim Empire, and the role of women in that society. Aisha is a brave person who does what she believed is morally right; which led to the "least" wife becoming the most spouse through conviction and courage. Ironically as Islamic women placed her on a pedestal as their champion, Aisha had become less confident that she chose right and suffered remorse for those who died for her cause. Readers will appreciate this excellent historical fiction that depicts the key Muslim woman during the cradle years of Islam.

Harriet Klausner