Muhammad and the Course of Islam

by H.M. Balyuzi

This book contains a full biography of the Prophet and a history of Islam from the years of His mission to the Nineteenth century.

Genres: History, Religion, Islam, Baha I

476 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 1976

About the author

Hasan M. Balyuzi (7 September 1908, Shiraz, Iran – 12 February 1980, London) was a prominent Iranian Bahá'í. He was born in Iran, but he spent most of his life in Britain. Balyuzi was an Afnán, a descendant of the Báb's family, on both sides of his family. His father was governor of the Persian Gulf ports and later minister of the interior of Iran.

In 1925 he met Shoghi Effendi after which he became a Bahá'í. In 1932 he went to Britain where he studied diplomatic history at the London School of Economics. In 1933 was elected as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Great Britain, which he stayed until he retired in 1960. In October 1957 he was appointed a Hand of the Cause of God by Shoghi Effendi.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-researched, scholarly, yet readable introduction to Islam with extensive but not excessive footnotes. The author was a Baha'i and therefore presents Shiah Islam favourably; the book is however very balanced and explores different viewpoints including those of Sunni as well as non-Muslim and Western historians.

It is quite lengthy and detailed, and covers the period from Islam's inception through to the early 19th century; I'd recommend it for anyone desiring a deeper understanding of this highly important yet widely misunderstood Faith.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true history book of Muhammad and Islam. How within hours of the passing of Muhammad the religion split into two sects. Then down through the years, split again and again just like Christianity.
This book gives you a background of the land and the people, who were backward, and how Muhammad gave them inspiration, laws, knowledge, and a belief in one God.
There is so much in this book that you have to study. The wars down through the ages fought with the Crusaders, the Turks, the Franz, Chingiz Khan, and how many terrible and cruel things were done in the name of God by people belonging to all Faiths, fighting over the Holy Place of Jerusalem that was held sacred by Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

[LittleJoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only book I have read that does a survey of the history of Islam, so I have nothing to compare it to. therefore I have to give it 5 stars as a reflection of why I can't compare it to any other similar book. I also read it a long time ago. It is a heavy book and so I didn't bring it with me when I moved to Japan. I think it is not biased one way or another that I could telll. The split with Sunni Islam is described and the misunderstandings briefly laid out . The book doesn't go beyond the '79 revolution. So This is where most of us Westerners are really intereested. However we do have a good foundation to see what men did to the revealed Word.

[John Levasseur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read this book allowed me to have a better understanding of the history of Islam, Muslims and Islamic culture which in turn allowed me to speak more intelligently and deeply with people while living in an Islamic country.

[Kobina Amissah-Fynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical review of Prophet Muhammad and the rise and establishment of Islam. An interesting read.

[Anisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and very informative.

[Vafa Moayed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique, complete and priceless study . A must read to get an unbiased understanding of Islam at a time we are bombarded by biased views, often poorly knowledgeable and terribly biased.