After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam

A narrative of astonishing power and drama, After the Prophet tells the epic story of the Shia-Sunni split in Islam - an event that unfolded not in the distant past, but in the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself. Award-winning journalist and biographer Lesley Hazleton brings to life the towering figures of early Islamic history: Muhammadﷺ, his beloved daughter Fatimaؓ, and his cousin and son-in-law Aliؓ. With the pace of a thriller, she reveals how a rivalry over succession became the defining schism of the Muslim world, one that continues to shape geopolitics today.

The Untold Story of Islam's Defining Schism
In the year 632, the Prophet Muhammadﷺ died without naming a successor. What followed was a struggle for power that would not only determine the future of the Islamic community but would set in motion a divide that has lasted for nearly fourteen centuries. After the Prophet traces this epic conflict from its origins in the deserts of seventh-century Arabia to its enduring consequences in the modern world.

Hazleton focuses on the intimate human drama at the heart of the schism - the relationship between Muhammadﷺ, his daughter Fatimaؓ, and his cousin Aliؓ. She explores the competing claims of bloodline and merit, loyalty and ambition, and the profound sense of betrayal that would ignite a fire that burns to this day. With vivid storytelling and meticulous historical research, she brings to life the personalities and passions that shaped Islamic history.

Why this book captivates readers:

• A gripping narrative that reads like a historical thriller
• Vivid portraits of Muhammadﷺ, Fatimaؓ, Aliؓ, and the key figures of early Islam
• Essential context for understanding the Shia-Sunni divide in today's Middle East
• A balanced, accessible account that respects the faith while telling the human story
• Perfect for both newcomers to Islamic history and those seeking deeper understanding

Who should read this book?
If you have ever wondered about the roots of the Shia-Sunni divide, the story of early Islam, or the intersection of faith and politics in the Muslim world, this book is an essential read. It is history at its most compelling - a tale of love, loss, loyalty, and betrayal that resonates across the centuries. Hazleton writes with the skill of a novelist and the rigor of a journalist, making complex history accessible and unforgettable.