A Short History Of Saracens

About A Short History Of Saracens

A Short History Of Saracens is a well known work of Islamic history by the Indian Muslim historian and jurist Syed Ameer Ali. If you are looking for a readable account of the early centuries of the Muslim world, this Short History Of Saracens is a classic place to begin. It is also relevant for college students of Islamic Studies and history. Please message us on WhatsApp at 9906523492 for details of the copy in stock, including the publisher and the number of pages.

The word Saracens was used in older European writing for the Muslims of the Middle Ages. Syed Ameer Ali wrote the book in English to present the story of the Muslim peoples in a clear and sympathetic way for readers who had mostly met this history through other eyes.

What the Short History Of Saracens covers

• The land and people of Arabia, with some background on the period before Islam
• A brief account of the life and mission of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
• The rule of the Rashidun caliphs, the Umayyads and the Abbasids
• Muslim Spain and other Muslim states such as the Fatimids, the Almoravids and the Almohads
• Saladin and the age of the Crusades
• Government, society, learning and culture under the different dynasties
• The main narrative reaches the fall of Baghdad in 1258, and the story of Muslim Spain continues to the end of Muslim rule there in 1492

About the author, Syed Ameer Ali

Syed Ameer Ali was a scholar from British India who wrote in English on Islam and Muslim history. He is also remembered for his book on the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his writing on Muslim law. His works were meant to explain the history and values of Muslims to a wide audience, and they remain widely cited in the study of Muslim history in the subcontinent.

Why this history still matters

The centuries covered by this book saw the spread of Islam from Arabia to large parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, the growth of cities such as Damascus, Baghdad and Cordoba, and the flowering of science, medicine, philosophy and literature. Reading this history helps a student understand how Muslim societies were organised, how they dealt with other communities and how learning was passed from one civilisation to the next. It also reminds the reader that history is made of the efforts of people who, at their best, tried to serve Allah and their communities with justice.

A note for careful readers

The book was written long ago, so its style and some of its judgements reflect the time of the author. Modern readers do well to read it alongside more recent studies, treat figures such as the size of armies with caution and compare its account of events like the Crusades with other sources. Used in this way, the book is a stimulating introduction and not the last word on the subject.

Who should read this book

• Students of Islamic Studies and history at college and university
• Readers who want a general introduction to Muslim history before moving to larger works
• Teachers and lecturers looking for a classic reference
• Book lovers in Kashmir and across India who enjoy history and biography

How to benefit from the book

Read it with a map of the Muslim world beside you and keep a simple timeline of the caliphates. Make short notes at the end of each chapter, then read a modern article on the same period to compare. Whenever you read the name of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, send salawat upon him, and keep the intention of learning from the past so that we may serve Allah better today.

Edition details

Author: Syed Ameer Ali. Language: English. Subject: Islamic history. For the publisher, year, format and page count of the copy in stock, please message us on WhatsApp at 9906523492. Same-day dispatch from Srinagar, with delivery in about 1 day in Srinagar and 3 to 10 days across the rest of India.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote A Short History Of Saracens? Syed Ameer Ali.

Which period does it cover? From the rise of Islam in Arabia to the fall of Baghdad in 1258, with the story of Muslim Spain to 1492.

Is it suitable for students? Yes, as an introduction, preferably read together with modern sources.

In which language is it? English.

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