Author: Shibli Numani
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 157
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0195660471
Description
Regarded as the epitome of the just ruler, Umar, or Omar-the second caliph-is one of the most significant figures in early Islamic History. His rule (634-44 CE) laid the foundations of an empire that has since defined, both culturally and geographically, the heartlands of the Islamic world.
Shibli Numani's classic account links the military conquests of the period with Umar reforms in law, government, and public administration. The author describes the personal strengths, skills, and character of Umar, and evaluates his contributions to the ethos of Islam.
REVIEW
This series, conceived by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and jointly published by Oxford University Press and I B Tauris, provides an introduction to outstanding figures in the history of Islamic civilization. Written by leading scholars, these books are designed to be the essential first point of reference for any reader interested in the growth and development of Islamic history and culture.
-General Editor: Dr F A Nizami
Series Manager: R M Ritter
Contents
List of maps
A note on the abridgement
PART I: THE CONQUESTS
Umar's accession to the caliphate
The conquest of Iraq and Syria
The extension of the conquests
The cause of victory
PART II: THE REFORMS
Government under Umar
Civil administration
Military administration
Islam and Islamic law
The treatment of non-Muslims
The man and his achievements
Further reading
References
Index