'Uthman ibn 'Affan

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.

‘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.’

• 1 CONTEXTIntroductionThe Challenge of ‘UthmanThe Challenge of the Sources‘Uthman’s WorldThe World ‘Uthman Made and that Made ‘UthmanConclusion 2 COMPANIONIntroductionThe ManPrecedence in Islam (Sabiqa)GenerosityMuhammad and the Rashidun CaliphsConclusion 3 CONSULTATION IntroductionDefense of the ShuraDeliberationsDecisionDebates‘Uthman’s First ActsConclusion 4 CONQUESTS IntroductionProblem of the SourcesNorth AfricaMediterranean SeaIranNorthern Iran and the CaucasusThe Iranian PlateauArmeniaMediterranean SeaConclusion 5 CRISISIntroductionComplaintsRebellionRegicideAftermathConclusion 6 CONSEQUENCES IntroductionMartyrUnity of the CommunityConclusion 7 CONTESTED CONTINUITY IntroductionCompanionConsultationCaliphateCrisisConclusion Selected BibliographyIndex