Caliphate of Banu Umayyah

Darussalam is proud to present the abridged English translation of the classic work: Al-Bidayah wa Nihayah, which covers the Caliphate of Bani Umayyah. It starts from the rule of Mu'awiyah bin Abi Sufyan in the 41st year of Hijrah up to the rule of Caliph Marwan Al-Himar in the year 132 of the Hijrah.

The Umayyad Caliphate بنو أمية (c. 661-750 CE/41-132 AH) was the second of the four major Islamic caliphates established after the death of Rasulallah. Although the Umayyad family originally came from the city of Makkah, their capital was Damascus. At its greatest extent, it covered more than five million square miles (13,000,000 km2), making it one of the largest empires the world had yet seen, and the seventh largest contiguous empire ever to exist.

Caliphate of Banu Umayyah is an authoritative and insightful work that provides a detailed exploration of the Umayyad Caliphate, one of the most significant periods in Islamic history. This book delves into the political, social, and religious developments under the rule of the Umayyad dynasty, tracing the rise of their leadership after the Rashidun Caliphs and their consolidation of power across the rapidly expanding Islamic empire.

The book offers a thorough account of the caliphs, their governance, military campaigns, and administrative reforms that shaped the early Islamic state. It highlights how the Umayyad rulers managed diverse populations, facilitated trade and scholarship, and expanded Islamic influence into regions such as North Africa, Spain, and Central Asia. Readers are provided with rich narratives about the successes and challenges faced by the Umayyads, along with reflections on the ethical, political, and religious lessons derived from this era.

By examining both the accomplishments and shortcomings of the Umayyad rulers, the book provides a nuanced understanding of the dynamics of early Islamic governance and its impact on Muslim societies. This work is essential for students, scholars, and anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of Islamic history, offering both historical detail and spiritual insight into the lessons of leadership, justice, and faith during the Umayyad period.

Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah (The Beginning and The End) by the renowned scholar Abu Al-Fida 'Imad ad-Deen Isma'eel bin 'Umar ibn Katheer/Kathir, is considered one of the most authoritative sources on Islamic history.