After the martyrdom of Caliph Uthman, the companions in Medina unanimously turned to Ali ibn Abi Talib – the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. According to Masud-ul-Hasan, Ali’s first challenge was not external (like the Byzantine or Persian empires), but internal. He inherited a fractured polity where the governors appointed by Uthman refused to step down.
Before we turn to the specific page, let’s acknowledge the author. Masud-ul-Hasan (1919–2014) was a prolific Pakistani historian and scholar. His History of Islam is renowned for:
If the page covers Mu’awiyah’s era, Hasan usually highlights a critical tension: Political stability versus religious idealism. He often writes about how Mu’awiyah introduced hijab (veil/screen) for caliphs and formalized the postal service (Barid), but also how the Ummah split into political factions (the eventual Shia, Kharijites, and Sunnis). history of islam masud ul hasan pdf 82
A key takeaway from this page: History is not just about battles. Page 82 likely asks you to reflect: How does a community balance military expansion with internal moral integrity?
Q: Is Masud-ul-Hasan’s History of Islam suitable for beginners? A: Absolutely. It assumes no prior deep knowledge and uses clear English. High school students and adult learners alike benefit. After the martyrdom of Caliph Uthman, the companions
Q: How many volumes are there? A: Usually two volumes. Volume 1 covers pre-Islamic Arabia to the end of the Umayyads. Volume 2 covers the Abbasids, Crusades, Mongols, Ottomans, and early modern period. Page 82 is firmly in Volume 1.
Q: Is there a difference between the hardcover and softcover pagination? A: Yes, minor differences of 1–4 pages exist. If your copy’s page 82 shows a map of the Byzantine-Sassanian frontier, you have a different edition than the one focused on Caliph Umar’s reforms. Always check the chapter title. A key takeaway from this page: History is
Q: What replaces this book in modern curricula?
A: Books like Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction by Adam Silverstein or Destiny Disrupted by Tamim Ansary are popular, but neither has the systematic, textbook-style detail of Hasan’s work.