'Uthman ibn 'Affan: Legend or Liability?

by Heather N. Keaney

Overview

‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan (d. 656) was an early convert to Islam and the third successor to the Prophet Muhammad. As caliph he established the first Islamic navy, consolidated the text of the Qur’an, and expanded the Arab empire. His opponents, however, accused him of being corrupt and questioned his legitimacy.

After twelve years ‘Uthman’s troubled caliphate ended in revolt. His death at the hands of rebels led to civil war and contributed to the eventual split between Sunni and Shi’i Islam. In this volume, Heather Keaney examines the life and legacy of the controversial caliph.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786076984
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Publication date:	02/18/2021
Series:	Makers of the Muslim World
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
File size:	675 KB

About the Author

Heather Keaney is Associate Professor of History at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. She teaches, researches and writes on various religio-political debates in the medieval and modern Middle East. She is the author of Medieval Islamic Historiography.

Table of Contents

1 CONTEXT

Introduction

The Challenge of ‘Uthman

The Challenge of the Sources

‘Uthman’s World

The World ‘Uthman Made and that Made ‘Uthman

Conclusion

2 COMPANION

Introduction

The Man

Precedence in Islam (Sabiqa)

Generosity

Muhammad and the Rashidun Caliphs

Conclusion

3 CONSULTATION

Introduction

Defense of the Shura

Deliberations

Decision

Debates

‘Uthman’s First Acts

Conclusion

4 CONQUESTS

Introduction

Problem of the Sources

North Africa

Mediterranean Sea

Iran

Northern Iran and the Caucasus

The Iranian Plateau

Armenia

Mediterranean Sea

Conclusion

5 CRISIS

Introduction

Complaints

Rebellion

Regicide

Aftermath

Conclusion

6 CONSEQUENCES

Introduction

Martyr

Unity of the Community

Conclusion

7 CONTESTED CONTINUITY

Introduction

Companion

Consultation

Caliphate

Crisis

Conclusion

Selected Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

‘Keaney’s book offers as balanced a view of ‘Uthman’s life, character and policies as one could hope for... She skilfully traces how the controversies that first arose with ‘Uthman in the seventh century were spun out in later centuries by various Islamic thinkers, right up to the twenty-first century and the “Arab Spring.” Clearly and engagingly written throughout, it is an outstanding introduction to Islam’s nagging sectarian divisions and political thought.’

Fred M. Donner