Tayeb El-Hibri is associate professor of Near Eastern studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and the author of Reinterpreting Islamic Historiography: Harun al-Rashid and the Narrative of the 'Abbasid Caliphate. He received his BA in history from Stanford University and his PhD in Islamic history from Columbia University.

El-Hibri advances a rich, provocative reading of events following the death of Muhammad and the careers of the first four caliphs. CHOICE This work is valuable as it emphasizes the benefits of applying a literary approach to historiographical literature that is generally perceived as historical. -- Zohar Hadromi-Allouche H-Mideast Medieval

• Preface 1. Introduction 2. Abu Bakr: The Moment of Confirmation 3. 'Umar b. al-Khattab: A Saga of Law and Conquest 4. 'Uthman: The Challenge of Innovation 5. The Road to Civil War: Issues and Boundaries 6. 'Ali: In the Image of the Prophets 7. From Caliphate to Kingship: 'Umar's Reign and Future Changes 8. Conclusion Appendix 1. Abu Mikhnaf's Account of the Saqifa of Banu Sa'ida Appendix 2. The Succession to 'Umar Appendix 3. Manushihr's Declaration Notes Glossary Bibliography Index

Tayeb El-Hibri is associate professor of Near Eastern studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and the author of Reinterpreting Islamic Historiography: Harun al-Rashid and the Narrative of the 'Abbasid Caliphate. He received his BA in history from Stanford University and his PhD in Islamic history from Columbia University.

El-Hibri advances a rich, provocative reading of events following the death of Muhammad and the careers of the first four caliphs. CHOICE This work is valuable as it emphasizes the benefits of applying a literary approach to historiographical literature that is generally perceived as historical. -- Zohar Hadromi-Allouche H-Mideast Medieval

• Preface 1. Introduction 2. Abu Bakr: The Moment of Confirmation 3. 'Umar b. al-Khattab: A Saga of Law and Conquest 4. 'Uthman: The Challenge of Innovation 5. The Road to Civil War: Issues and Boundaries 6. 'Ali: In the Image of the Prophets 7. From Caliphate to Kingship: 'Umar's Reign and Future Changes 8. Conclusion Appendix 1. Abu Mikhnaf's Account of the Saqifa of Banu Sa'ida Appendix 2. The Succession to 'Umar Appendix 3. Manushihr's Declaration Notes Glossary Bibliography Index

Tayeb El-Hibri is associate professor of Near Eastern studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and the author of Reinterpreting Islamic Historiography: Harun al-Rashid and the Narrative of the 'Abbasid Caliphate. He received his BA in history from Stanford University and his PhD in Islamic history from Columbia University.

El-Hibri advances a rich, provocative reading of events following the death of Muhammad and the careers of the first four caliphs. CHOICE This work is valuable as it emphasizes the benefits of applying a literary approach to historiographical literature that is generally perceived as historical. -- Zohar Hadromi-Allouche H-Mideast Medieval

• Preface 1. Introduction 2. Abu Bakr: The Moment of Confirmation 3. 'Umar b. al-Khattab: A Saga of Law and Conquest 4. 'Uthman: The Challenge of Innovation 5. The Road to Civil War: Issues and Boundaries 6. 'Ali: In the Image of the Prophets 7. From Caliphate to Kingship: 'Umar's Reign and Future Changes 8. Conclusion Appendix 1. Abu Mikhnaf's Account of the Saqifa of Banu Sa'ida Appendix 2. The Succession to 'Umar Appendix 3. Manushihr's Declaration Notes Glossary Bibliography Index