Little is known about Arabia in the sixth century CE. Yet from this distant time and place emerged a faith and an empire that stretched from the Iberian peninsula to India. Today; Muslims account for nearly a quarter of the global population. G. W. Bowersock seeks to illuminate this most obscure and yet most dynamic period in the history of Islam―from the mid-sixth to mid-seventh century―exploring why arid Arabia proved to be such fertile ground for Muhammad’s prophetic message; and why that message spread so quickly to the wider world.In Muhammad’s time Arabia stood at the crossroads of great empires; a place where Christianity; Judaism; and local polytheistic traditions vied for adherents. Mecca; Muhammad’s birthplace; belonged to the part of Arabia recently conquered by the Ethiopian Christian king Abraha. But Ethiopia lost western Arabia to Persia following Abraha’s death; while the death of the Byzantine emperor in 602 further destabilized the region. Within this chaotic environment; where lands and populations were traded frequently among competing powers and belief systems; Muhammad began winning converts to his revelations. In a troubled age; his followers coalesced into a powerful force; conquering Palestine; Syria; and Egypt and laying the groundwork of the Umayyad Caliphate.The crucible of Islam remains an elusive vessel. Although we may never grasp it firmly; Bowersock offers the most detailed description of its contours and the most compelling explanation of how one of the world’s great religions took shape.
#706719 in Books Harvard University Press 2013-06-10 2013-05-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.30 x 6.20l; 1.45 #File Name: 0674046862320 pages
Review
0 of 3 people found the following review helpful. great bookBy doonerVery interesting read. A great look at both a moment in our nation and how the stories told shaped our history.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An important read.By barbara Kapp SchwamThis is an important specific moment in America's history. A seemingly small occurrence leads to large consequences. This is well told in its mant layers of meaning .
