Rafi Ahmad Fidai
A Concise History of the Muslim World - Volume 2 presents a chronological account of the Umayyad era and its formative place in the political, administrative, cultural, and territorial history of the Muslim world.Beginning with Ameer Muaviya, the volume examines the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate and follows the succession of rulers through periods of consolidation, conflict, expansion, reform, and eventual dynastic decline. Separate chapters address Yazid I, Abdullah bin Zubair and Marvan bin Hakam, Abdul Malik bin Marvan, Waleed I, Sulaiman bin Abdul Malik, Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz, Yazid bin Abdul Malik, Hesham bin Abdul Malik, and the rulers who followed him.The narrative considers the expansion of Muslim authority into North Africa, Turkistan, Sind, China, Asia Minor, and Europe, alongside encounters with the Roman or Byzantine world and the campaign toward Constantinople. It also records the internal disturbances and succession disputes that shaped the political history of the period.Particular attention is given to the reign of Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz, including reforms, public welfare, Baitul Maal, treatment of the Zimmis, social reform, dissemination of Islam, personal conduct, and scholarly concerns. The closing chapters examine the causes of the downfall of the Umayyad dynasty and review its administration, military organization, civilization, social life, knowledge, literature, and treatment of non-Muslim communities.The manuscript expressly identifies Qur’ānic references and cited sayings of the Prophet Muhammad as part of its historical presentation. Written as a broad historical survey, the volume is suitable for readers, students, researchers, libraries, and institutions seeking an accessible chronological account of the early Muslim world and the development, achievements, conflicts, and eventual transition of the Umayyad Caliphate.
