book review of lost islamic history

Book Review: Lost Islamic History

“Can you tell me a good book to read on Islamic history?” This is a question that I get asked time and time again. I can’t remember ever being able to give a straight-forward answer. “Well, it depends on exactly what period of Islamic history you are interested in…” I would begin to say and almost immediately watch their attention levels disintegrate.

Well, I think I might just have an answer now. “Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim civilisation from the past” has just been published by Hurst. The author, Firas Alkhateeb knows a thing or two about making history accessible to the masses as he is the man behind the popular Lost Islamic History project with thousands of fans on Facebook and Twitter. An example of his work is below:

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The book itself is very well written with many important areas and eras of Islamic history covered in chronological order. The chapter on the “Intellectual Golden Age” is particularly well written breaking up a tendency by others to simply focus on military expansionism and regression. The author also includes a chapter entitled “The Edge” where he tackles the history of parts of the Muslim world that are often neglected in most historical accounts. Another positive about this book is that it avoids the usual bias found from similar works by orientalists.

For fans of Lost Islamic History online, the book is quite different in style and tone to what they are used to. This is not a bad thing at all, but it is something to be aware of for those expecting more of the same.

Islamic history is probably one of the most neglected fields in Islamic education. It has been for centuries for reasons that are beyond the scope of this book review. Therefore, any attempt to redress this imbalance should be celebrated and taken advantage of. Maybe Islamic history is just a little less lost now.

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Dr. Muhammad Wajid Akhter - National Council Member, Muslim Council of Britain | mcb.org.uk - Lead, National Muslim Covid Response Group | [email protected] - Council Member, British Islamic Medical Association | britishima.org - Founder, Charity Week for Orphans and children in need | charityweek.com - Co-Founder, Islamic History Channel | islamichistorychannel.org - International Director, FIMA Lifesavers

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16 Comments

July 30, 2014 at 8:02 AM

Jazakallah khair for this

But perhaps you can give more info….a link to where the book can be purchased perhaps

The authors website maybe?

make it easy for your readers to get the information

because in todays distracting world, many would just jump to another article and this amazing book would be lost to them

If the book is available on amazon, post the link to it and use an affiliate link to earn money either for you or for muslim matters

look at sites like huffington post for good examples of how to operate….

Jazakallah khair again

More book reviews would be great

July 30, 2014 at 8:04 AM

The book is available on amazon.com

You can purchase it from the link below if you want

http://amzn.to/1k7412J

July 30, 2014 at 8:44 AM

They have a blog, with more info on the book. http://lostislamichistory.com/

July 30, 2014 at 3:37 PM

Wa iyakum Habib.

Very good point about having a link to where ppl could find the book. Apologies for forgetting that. And thank you Sara for posting it up in your comment below.

iffat sharif

July 30, 2014 at 6:10 PM

This book I awesome !!! Every Muslim should read this….I personally didn’t know a lot of things about Muslim history but this website was an eye opener !! Subhan Allah ….may Allah put lots of barakah in this project

July 30, 2014 at 7:04 PM

I would love to buy the book! If you are interested in muslims history in terms of wars and the arab empires, i found books by j.b glubb very informative. He is an orientalist, but i see that he tries to be as objective as he can as a british writer as he can. Check it out in amazon

July 30, 2014 at 7:51 PM

amazing book that encompasses everything about Islam and history recommend everyone yo read it

July 31, 2014 at 12:20 AM

InshAllah some will be donated to the local libraries for those of us who cannot afford to purchase it

Umm Muhammad

July 31, 2014 at 7:54 AM

Recently I read Destiny Disrupted which was also an amazing book. The best part was how beautifully it was written. I will be sure to get a copy of this book now, jazakumullahu khairan!

July 31, 2014 at 7:09 PM

I was about to add that as well. Jazikullaha.

July 31, 2014 at 7:41 PM

An iman boosting history book, I didn’t even know that can exist.

moideen mampadan

August 1, 2014 at 10:37 AM

I cud not get this book so I shall put in some ingredients to the muslim ummah to ponder with: 1. whether there is a topic in the book about the Khalifa rule of Usman, umer, Ali and their brutal killing by the enemies of Islam and the killing of the sons of Hazrat Ali? If u are faithful in that chapter you would know that our Ummah was highjacked by those who killed the beloved companions and grand sons of our beloved Messenger (pubh). Since then the infidels and enemies of Islam were the rulers of the muslim world! study deeply You will come to know why we are in such a pathetic condition now when Allah categorically says that who ever follow his book shall be of a superior society (ummah)

August 3, 2014 at 10:10 PM

Assalaamu Alaikom,

Jazak Allah Khair for the review. I have one question. What I want is a book of truth. I don’t want a book that talks only about the “peace” side of Islam, while leaving out the “evil” parts of Islam. Of course, I put those in quotes because I’m not saying there are absolute peace / evil times. I want the whole story and it really bugs me when I find out ‘this’ part of the story was missing because it makes it sound like Islam is bad. I want the truth, and the whole truth.

If it came from Allah and his Messenger, I accept it. Please inform me if this book ‘cherry-picks’ each part of the major events it covers.

August 4, 2014 at 3:51 AM

How does this book compare to Lost History: The Enduring Legacy of Muslim Scientists, Thinkers, and Artists by Michael Morgan. I’ve read that and it was very well written. Any one here whose read both ?

March 31, 2015 at 12:58 PM

i cant get its copy where i live . can somebody plz share his/her ebook wth me

April 6, 2019 at 5:52 AM

This book describes those fundamentals and also helps you understand the various ways in which following these rules would make your life much better than it was before. It shows you the peace that can be attained by following Islam properly.

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Lost Islamic History: reclaiming Muslim civilisation from the past

Apr 16, 2021, 2:52 PM | Article By: Firas Alkhateeb

Reviewed by Dr Muhammad Wajid Akhter

"Can you tell me a good book to read on Islamic history?” This is a question that I get asked time and time again. I can’t remember ever being able to give a straight-forward answer. “Well, it depends on exactly what period of Islamic history you are interested in…” I would begin to say and almost immediately watch their attention levels disintegrate.

Islam has been one of the most powerful religious, social and political forces in history. Over the last 1400 years, from origins in Arabia, a succession of Muslim polities and later empires expanded to control territories and peoples that ultimately stretched from southern France to East Africa and South East Asia. Yet many of the contributions of Muslim thinkers, scientists, and theologians, not to mention rulers, statesmen and soldiers, have been occluded. This book rescues from oblivion and neglect some of these personalities and institutions while offering the reader a new narrative of this lost Islamic history. The Umayyads, Abbasids, and Ottomans feature in the story, as do Muslim Spain, the savannah kingdoms of West Africa and the Mughal Empire, along with the later European colonization of Muslim lands and the development of modern nation-states in the Muslim world. Throughout, the impact of Islamic belief on scientific advancement, social structures, and cultural development is given due prominence, and the text is complemented by portraits of key personalities, inventions, and little-known historical nuggets. The history of Islam and of the world’s Muslims brings together diverse peoples, geographies, and states, all interwoven into one narrative that begins with Muhammad and continues to this day.

The book itself is very well written with many important areas and eras of Islamic history covered in chronological order. The chapter on the “Intellectual Golden Age” is particularly well written breaking up a tendency by others to simply focus on military expansionism and regression. The author also includes a chapter entitled “The Edge” where he tackles the history of parts of the Muslim world that are often neglected in most historical accounts, most notably West Africa. Another positive about this book is that it avoids the usual bias found from similar works by orientalists.

Islamic history is probably one of the most neglected fields in Islamic education. It has been for centuries for reasons that are beyond the scope of this book review. Therefore, any attempt to redress this imbalance should be celebrated and taken advantage of. Maybe Islamic history is just a little less lost now.

Available at Timbooktoo tel 4494345

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Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilization from the Past

“Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilization from the Past” is a meticulously researched and thought-provoking exploration of the rich heritage of Islamic civilization, written by Firas Alkhateeb, an American scholar, writer and historian. The book digs deeper into the often-overlooked contributions of Muslims throughout history, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the diverse achievements and enduring legacy of Islamic culture.

Comprising of 11 chapters with 167 pages, this book aims to bridge the gap between the often-overlooked contributions of Muslim civilization and the popular perception of Islamic history. Covering the pre-Islamic era, the emergence of Islam, and the struggles endured by Muslims to uphold their faith, it provides a captivating glimpse into Islamic states’ formation, rise and eventual decline, accompanied by the underlying reasons.

Alkhateeb begins by addressing common misconception that Islamic history is limited to a narrow scope focusing solely on conquests and conflicts. Instead, he presents a deeper and multifaceted narrative that highlights the remarkable advancements in science, art, philosophy, governance and social justice that flourished within Islamic societies.

The book sets the stage with a brief introduction of the Arabian Peninsula’s natural scenery and the sociological lifestyles of its inhabitants, mainly nomadic Arab tribes. Poetry as a major mode of expression was an important aspect of this culture as was a keen interest in trading with neighboring areas.

Alkhateeb explores into the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him) early life, his revolutionary influence on beliefs and society and the growth of his followers. It describes the exodus from Mecca to Medina and the difficulties encountered culminating in the founding of Islam in Mecca. The story then shifts to choosing caliphs, including Hazrat Abu Bakar (R.A), Hazrat Umar bin Khattab (R.A), Hazrat Usman Ghani (R.A), and Hazrat Ali ibni Abi Talib (may Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala (SWT) be pleased with all of them). The author emphasizes obstacles, historical changes and military adventures such as the seizure of Jerusalem, Gaza, Caesarea and Antioch.

Alkhateeb elucidates the consolidation of Muslim rule under Hazrat Mu’awiya’s reign (may Allah (SWT) be pleased with him) in the 4th chapter -The Establishment of Muslim state, focusing on territorial expansions into North Africa, modern Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. The terrible events of Karbala and the resulting difficulties with the Umayyads are addressed articulately, followed by the revival and expansion of their empire from Spain to India.

The establishment of the Abbasids, descended from Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) uncle’s genealogy ushers in an era of transformation. Alkhateeb describes the Abbasid conquest which marked a turn away from military victories and towards intellectual accomplishments. The next chapter-05, “The Intellectual Golden Ages”, focuses on the development of science, religion, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, mathematics Islamic law and culture throughout the Muslim period.

Further sections of the book look into the diversity of Muslim sects, the migration of Turk tribes, and their conversion to Islam. The author expounds on the Seljuks’ encounters with the Byzantine Empire, the Crusaders’ capture of Jerusalem and the subsequent liberation by Salah-al-din. The Mongol threat led by Genghis Khan and its far-reaching consequences for the Muslim world are outlined.

Al-Ghazali’s contributions to Islamic law reform, the Umayyad rule in al-Andalus and the spread of Arabic art and culture are meticulously depicted. The author underscores the pivotal role of Cordoba and Granada, tracing the decline of Muslim power in these regions. The write up continues with the arrival of Islam in West Africa, East Africa, China and India. The relationship of China with Islam is discussed, as is the effect of Muslim rulers in India, notably Muhammad bin Qasim’s expedition into Sindh and the founding of an Islamic state.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its accessibility. Alkhateeb skillfully weaves together historical accounts, anecdotes, and analysis, making complex topics understandable and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Whether discussing the Golden Age of Islam, the contributions of scholars like Ibn Sina and Al-Khwarizmi or the impact of Islamic principles on architecture and urban planning, the author presents a compelling case for the profound influence of Islamic civilization on global development.

The book offers a sweeping narrative spanning over a millennium, encompassing empires like the Umayyads, Abbasids and Ottomans, alongside lesser-known regions like Muslim Spain and West Africa. Alkhateeb sheds light on advancements in science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy during the Islamic Golden Age, highlighting the pioneering role of Muslim scholars.

Written in very soft style, the book avoids overly academic language making it suitable for a wide audience. By emphasizing scientific progress, cultural flourishing and diverse political structures the book challenges stereotypical narratives often associated with Islamic history.

Moreover, this book challenges prevailing stereotypes and biases, offering a more balanced and accurate portrayal of Muslim societies throughout the ages. By highlighting moments of cooperation, innovation, and cultural exchange between Muslims and other civilizations, Alkhateeb underscores the interconnectedness of human history and the importance of embracing diversity.

Two of the book’s minor criticisms include its limited coverage of certain regions and periods, and limited reference material as reflected in the bibliography. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall value and impact of the book as a scholarly work and educational resource.

In conclusion, this book is a compelling and enlightening read that sheds light on the often-overlooked achievements of Islamic societies. Alkhateeb’s passion for his subject matter is evident throughout the book, making it an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in history, cultural studies or interfaith dialogue.

It serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking a general overview of the significant contributions of Muslim civilization throughout history. Alkhateeb effectively highlights the intellectual and cultural achievements of Islamic world, prompting further exploration of this rich historical period. It provides a compelling introduction to the vast and often under-recognized achievements of Muslim civilization. While acknowledging potential limitations in scope and potential bias, the book offers a valuable perspective and serves as a springboard for further exploration of this dynamic historical period.

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Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilisation from the Past Paperback – September 1, 2014

• Print length 217 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Hurst
• Publication date September 1, 2014
• Dimensions 8.5 x 0.6 x 5.4 inches
• ISBN-10 1849043973
• ISBN-13 978-1849043977
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hurst; 1st edition (September 1, 2014)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 217 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1849043973
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1849043977
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.6 x 5.4 inches
• #1,092 in Turkey History (Books)
• #1,404 in History of Islam

About the author

Firas alkhateeb.

Firas Alkhateeb holds a Masters degree in Middle Eastern Studies with a specialisation in Islamic intellectual history from the University of Chicago. He previously taught Islamic history at Universal School in Bridgeview, Illinois and currently teaches and studies at Darul Qasim in Chicago. He founded and writes the website lostislamichistory.com.

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Customers find the book has a lot of information, a good summary of Islamic history, and an academic study in an unbiased light. They also say it's an important work for Muslims and non-Muslims, outlining the most important highs and lows of Islam.

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"...The author has done a great job explaining Islamic History in a simple format. I could not put this book down." Read more

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Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilisation from the Past Kindle Edition

• Print length 306 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Hurst
• Publication date 15 November 2017
• File size 16378 KB
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Neil Shah is an Audie-nominated narrator and winner of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards who has recorded over 150 audiobooks. AudioFile magazine has commended him for "an absolutely mesmerizing listening experience" and as "an outstanding narrator who adds a healthy dose of personality to each of the characters." As a classically trained actor with an MFA from the Old Globe/University of San Diego, he has appeared off Broadway and on regional stages, as well as in film and television. He records from his home studio in Portland, Oregon.

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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07B5391YM
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hurst; Revised edition (15 November 2017)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 16378 KB
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About the author

Firas alkhateeb.

Firas Alkhateeb holds a Masters degree in Middle Eastern Studies with a specialisation in Islamic intellectual history from the University of Chicago. He previously taught Islamic history at Universal School in Bridgeview, Illinois and currently teaches and studies at Darul Qasim in Chicago. He founded and writes the website lostislamichistory.com.

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Lost Islamic History

Reclaiming muslim civilisation from the past, firas alkhateeb.

A lively and illuminating history of one of the most powerful religious, social and political forces.

REVISED AND EXPANDED EDITION

Description

Over the last 1,400 years, a succession of Muslim polities and empires expanded to control territories and peoples stretching from southern France to East Africa and South East Asia. Yet many of the contributions of Muslim thinkers, scientists and theologians, not to mention statesmen and soldiers, have been overlooked. The bestselling Lost Islamic History , now in a new updated edition, rescues from oblivion a forgotten past, charting its narrative from Muhammad to modern-day nation-states.

From Abbasids and Ottomans to Mughals and West African kings, Firas Alkhateeb sketches key personalities, inventions and historical episodes to show the monumental impact of Islam on global society and culture.

Table of contents

1. PRE-ISLAMIC ARABIA 2. THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET 3. THE RIGHTLY GUIDED CALIPHS 4. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MUSLIM STATE 5. INTELLECTUAL GOLDEN AGES 6. THE ISLAMIC SCIENCES 7. UPHEAVAL 8. AL-ANDALUS 9. THE EDGE 10. REBIRTH 11. DECLINE 12. OLD AND NEW IDEAS

‘A great read . . . An excellent brief history of the driving force that made Islamic civilisation the greatest of its time and then the factors behind its decline.’—Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan

‘Presenting 1,400 years of Islamic civilisation in a comprehensive, easy to follow manner is no small feat . . . the book is valuable not only for its insights into lesser-known aspects of Islamic history, but also as a general introduction to the subject.’ — AramcoWorld

Firas Alkhateeb is an American researcher, writer and historian who specialises in the Islamic world. He is currently a PhD student in Islamic thought at the University of Chicago. He founded and writes the website Lost Islamic History.

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Lost Islamic History By Firas Alkhateeb

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