After the Prophet

Publisher's Summary

In this gripping narrative history, Lesley Hazleton tells the tragic story at the heart of the ongoing rivalry between the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam, a rift that dominates the news now more than ever.

Even as Muhammad lay dying, the battle over who would take control of the new Islamic nation had begun, sparking a succession crisis marked by power grabs, assassination, political intrigue, and passionate faith. Soon Islam was embroiled in civil war, pitting its founder's controversial wife, Aisha, against his son-in-law, Ali, and shattering Muhammad's ideal of unity.

Combining meticulous research with compelling storytelling, After the Prophet explores the volatile intersections of religion and politics, psychology and culture, and history and current events. It is an indispensable guide to the depth and power of the Shia-Sunni split.

©2009 Lesley Hazleton (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Simply Fantastic

I came to this book with a cursory understanding of Sunni/Shia differences, as well as -- if I'm honest, a fairly meager understanding of the history of Islam. This book pulls off a major feat in being both informational and riveting. Totally riveting. Stay-up-far-longer-than-intended riveting.

At first, I was somewhat skeptical of the narrator. Meaning simply that I wasn't sure from the sample that I would enjoy her narration.) Well, I more than enjoyed it; I loved it. I can't think of a better narrator for this

I realize that I may come across as being hyperbolic, but this is simply one of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to -- in any genre. If you have the slightest bit of interest in learning more about Islam, about divisions within the religion, or even just if you're looking for a story that will command your full attention...well, then I would highly recommend listening to this audiobook.

20 of 20 people found this review helpful

Interesting narrative history

This is a subject I am not too familiar with. I am well versed on the gulf between Catholicism and Protestantism, but the politics of Islam is new information for me. I would assume this book would be of interest to those readers not familiar with the religion of Islam.

The split in the Islam world began as Muhammad lay dying. Apparently, the battle was between the family of the favorite wife, Aisha, against his son- in- law, philosopher/warrior Ali. Fifty years later, in what is modern day Iraq, Ali is assassinated. Soldiers of the first Sunni dynasty led by Muawiya massacred seventy-two warriors led by Muhammad’s grandson Hussein at Karbala in 680 AD. Hussein’s ordeal at Karbala became a passion story at the core of Shia Islam. It is part of the annual Ashura rites.

The book is well written and researched. Hazelton’s gripping prose provides insight into origins of the most volatile blend of politics and religion. The author balances past and present as she shows how these 7th century events are alive in the Middle East today. Hazelton states all would have been simple if Muhammad had had a son, but alas he did not.

This book will supply a starting point for readers attempting to understand a complex subject. Hazelton’s writing is biased toward the Shia. I wished she had presented a neutral telling of the facts and let me make up my own mind.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is about seven and half hours long. Leslie Hazelton narrated her own book. She has a most interesting deep voice.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Gripping tale told extremely well

Absolutely loved it! Extremely detailed and gripping. I couldn't put it down. At the end of it, I was not sure if it was biased. The book spends a lot of time on Shia thought, not so much on sunni ideology. Absolutely loved it none the less. If you are unfamiliar with the history of these events, this is the book to read/listen to.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

great explanation

fantastic story and explanation of the split, especially foe those who are not familiar with Islam

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Must read for those interested in Islamic history.

Fantastic read. Wonderful prose. Detailed history. Hazleton makes the complex history easy to understand and captivates the reader. A very even handed historical approach in my opinion. It sheds light on the core history of any Sunni - Shia tensions.

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

Understanding

This book provides a good start for understanding the split that exist in Islam, I would highly recommend reading and listening to this book.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Captivating, insightful

This was an incredible look at the complex history of the Sunni-Shia divide. She did a great job of bringing me into the world of early Islam. This provided me valuable context in which to understand current events and Muslim culture.

She's a great storyteller and I love her voice. I'll listen to this one many more times!

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

Horrible, Biased, and Full of Lies!

This book is one of the worst books I've ever come across, if not the worst ever.
Full of lies, distortions, misuse of information, and misinterpretations!

The author is either severely shallow and misinformed, or horribly blinded by her unethical biases.

She pictured the first, most pure and selfless, generation of Muslims as thieves, cheaters, and killers who were driven only by their earthly desires, personal egos, and ill motivations!

She sets the stage for the history events as per her misguided, misinformed, and biased visualization and then uses faked and inauthentic citations and records to validate her prejudices and blind pre-judgements!
Furthermore, she blows her faked stories out of any meaningful proportions and severely over-dramatize them to misguide her audience and drag them into where she can dose them further with her venoms.

Obviously, the author doesn't have any clue about the difference between authentic and faked "Hadiths" nor she tries to be balanced or technically professional in her analyses and conclusions.

I'm really surprised and disappointed that such poor and misguided authors can convince a publisher to get such horrible books onto the literature stage!

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Not Balance

Overall story and the subject is good and the way it’s been told is great .but my taking to this work is not well balanced, She is basically telling the (Shea) part of the story most of time .

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Incredible

I downloaded this book bc I enjoy history but I was not expecting to enjoy it this much. The author has an excellent writing style and his reading of his work is inspiring. He is passionate and engaging. Just an incredibly interesting and worth while listen/read. I highly recommend.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful