Islamic History Podcast

British India is not to crazy about Lord Kitchener's plan to create an "Arab Caliphate."

The British begin courting Sharif Hussein ibn Ali, the ruler of Mecca, enticing him to rebel against the Ottomans.

Britain's Lord Kitchener plans to create an Arab Caliphate to rival the Ottomans.

Germany's early victories convince the unprepared Ottomans to enter the conflict that will become World War I

The Young Turks want to change the Ottoman Empire and go looking for an ally.

The Ottoman Empire was already well in decline by 1914 and had earned the moniker "Sick Man of Europe."

We are going to the Israel-Palestine conflict, one of the most controversial subjects of your time. And in true fashion, we're going to try our best to avoid bias. This will be a multi-part series. In this first episode, we discuss the history of the Jews and Arabs. We start from the biblical era and end up on the eve of WWI. More episodes about Palestine are available at IslamicHistoryPodcast.com/Palestine. You can support the Islamic History Podcast by becoming a patron at Patreon.com/IslamicHistory.

In this episode, I sit down with Br. Zulfikar Sarosh and discuss more details about Pakistan's history. Most importantly, we dig into the history of Kashmir and the possible future for this troubled region. Support the Islamic History podcast by becoming a Patreon subscriber (and get a lot of bonus episodes!)

We'll continue the journey of Partition as the Indian subcontinent becomes two new nations. The All-India Muslim League is in a desperate struggle for relevancy. They have to prove to Britain, the Indian National Congress, and India's Muslim, that they are a political force.

This episode explores how Islam came to Pakistan. Then we'll take a look at the British government that ruled the Indian subcontinent for over a hundred years. Finally, we'll look at the political developments as Indian Muslims and Hindus try to gain the upper hand in the fight for independence. You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family

The story of the interaction between the Ismaili Assassins, Salahuddeen al-Ayubi, and the Mongols.

We're trying something new today. I sit down with my teenage daughter Balquis and talk about a lot of random things. But we do eventually get around to talking about Pakistan. You can support the Islamic History Podcast by becoming a sponsor at Patreon.com/IslamicHistory.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was born on August 14, 1947, with the partition of British India. This partition divided the former British colony into two nations, India and Pakistan. There is a saying in Pakistan that the country is run by the Three A’s: Allah, the army and America. In this episode, we will explore the role each of these factors have had in the development and history of Pakistan. Show notes available at IslamicHistoryPodcast.com/Pakistan. Support the Islamic History Podcast by visiting Patreon.com/IslamicHistory.

The Iranian Revolution - Part 2: The Fire Ignites Welcome back to the Islamic History Podcast, and to the dramatic conclusion of our two-part series on one of the 20th century's most pivotal and misunderstood events: the Iranian Revolution of 1979. In Part 1, we explored the deep roots of discontent, tracing Iran's complex history from ancient empires to the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty, the secularizing reforms of the Shah, the influence of foreign powers, and the simmering resentment among various segments of Iranian society. We left off with a seemingly secure Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, at the helm of a rapidly modernizing nation fueled by oil wealth, confident in his vision for a Westernized, powerful Iran. Now, in Part 2, we pick up the story in early 1978, a moment when the Shah, by all outward appearances, should have felt most unassailable. Oil prices were high, his military was formidable, and he enjoyed strong backing from Western allies, particularly the United States. Yet beneath this veneer of stability, a revolutionary storm was brewing, fueled by a potent mix of economic grievances, social alienation, political repression, and the powerful, unifying voice of a charismatic exiled cleric: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This episode plunges into the tumultuous year that irrevocates changed Iran and reshaped the geopolitical landscape. We’ll meticulously trace the escalating protests – from university campuses to bustling bazaars, from clerical centers to working-class neighborhoods. Discover how seemingly small acts of defiance snowballed into massive demonstrations, each met with increasingly brutal, yet ultimately ineffective, responses from the Shah's regime. We’ll analyze the critical missteps of the Pahlavi government, the pivotal role of religious networks in mobilizing the masses, and the gradual erosion of loyalty within the very institutions designed to protect the monarchy. Experience the unraveling of an empire: the strikes that crippled the economy, the defection of disillusioned soldiers, and the growing isolation of a ruler who could no longer connect with his people. Follow the Shah's desperate attempts to quell the unrest, his ultimate agonizing decision to leave Iran in January 1979, and the power vacuum he left behind. The climax of our story arrives with the electrifying return of Ayatollah Khomeini from exile on February 1, 1979. Witness the unprecedented outpouring of support, the millions who flocked to greet him, and the swift, decisive maneuvers that consolidated his power. We’ll explore the chaotic yet determined formation of a provisional government, the swift collapse of the last vestiges of monarchical rule, and the overwhelming popular mandate for a new order. The episode culminates with the establishment of the Islamic Republic, marking not just a change in leadership, but a fundamental transformation of Iran’s political, social, and religious identity. Join us as we navigate the final, explosive months of a revolution that defied expectations and continues to resonate deeply in the 21st century. #IranianRevolution #Iran #1979Revolution #AyatollahKhomeini #ShahofIran #IslamicHistoryPodcast #Geopolitics #MiddleEastHistory #islamichistory

Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi became the Shah of Iran at twenty-two years of age. He would go from a powerless figurehead to one of the most powerful monarchs in the region. However, the Shah was brought down by an obscure Shiite scholar name Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. In this episode, we'll start to discover the history behind the 1979 Iranian Revolution. After the show is over, be sure to visit the Show Notes page. The Show Notes are available at: http://islamiclearningmaterials.com/Iran1 Here's some of what you'll find: The transcript for this episode Links to other related resources You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all and more at the Show Notes page:

The Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar (formerly Burma) are one of the most persecuted people's on the globe. They are not wanted in Burma nor in any other country. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya live as refugees in Bangladesh and other countries. After the show is over, be sure to visit the Show Notes page. The Show Notes are available at: IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Burma Here's some of what you'll find: The transcript for this episode Links to the Muslim Podcast of the Week Links to other related resources You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all and more at the Show Notes page:

This is the third and final episode on the series about Islam in West Africa. As the Mali Empire declines, another is on the rise. In the forgotten city of Gao, the Sunni Dynasty emerges to make the Songhay Empire the dominant force in West Africa. This is done by two very different men. Sunni Ali is a brutal conqueror who strikes fear in the people he conquers. The other is Askia Muhammad, a former slave who rises to become the hope of the Songhay Empire. After the show is over, be sure to visit the Show Noes page. The Show Notes are available at IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Askia. Here's some of what you'll find: The transcript of this episode Social media links to follow the podcast Links to other related resources You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon (great stuff awaits you if you do) Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all and more on the Show Notes page: IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Askia

This is the second episode in our series on Islam in West Africa. In this episode, we're going to explore the origins of the Empire of Mali. We'll also take a look at two of its most popular rulers: Sundiata and Mansa Musa. Sundiata is mostly known through the Epic of Sundiata. While Mansa Musa is mostly known because of his famous Hajj pilgrimage. After the show is over, be sure to visit the Show Notes page. The Show Notes are available at IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Mali Here's some of what you'll find: The transcript of this episode Social media links to follow the podcast Links to other related resources You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon (great stuff awaits you if you do) Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all and more on the Show Notes page: IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Mali

The first in a series to look at the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. In this episode, we will introduce the series and take an in-depth look at the city-state of Gao and the rise and fall of the Ghana Empire. We'll also discuss one of the more complicated and difficult topics in Islam: African Slavery. After the show is over, be sure to visit the Show Notes page. The Show Notes are available at IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Ghana Here's some of what you'll find: The transcript of this episode Social media links to follow the podcast Links to other related resources You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all and more on the Show Notes page: IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Ghana

With Sana'a under Houthi control, the beleaguered Yemeni government calls out for help. They request military intervention from the GCC nations. Saudi Arabia leads a charge to remove the Houthis from the capital and restore President Hadi to power. But the Houthis have not gotten this far by accident. They are on a mission, and they are determined to see it through. In this episode, we'll see the repercussions of the Saudi-led air campaign against the Houthis. We'll get a peek at the international community use Yemen, President Hadi, and the Houthis like pieces in a chess game. After the show is over, be sure to visit the Show Notes page. The Show Notes are available at IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Yemen2 Here's some of what you'll find: The transcript of this episode Links to the Muslim Podcast of the Week Links to other related resources You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all and more on the Show Notes page: IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Yemen2

In September 2014, the Houthis captured the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. A few months later, Saudi Arabia launched a campaign to remove the Houthis and reinstall President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi to power. The Saudi-led coalition has pummeled Yemen with airstrikes, leading to thousands of deaths. Many people blame Saudi Arabia for the high death toll in Yemen, but what role did the Houthis play? Who are the Houthis in the first place? And how did they rise to power in Yemen? This episode explores the history of Yemen and how it came to be a nation torn into many pieces. After the show is over, be sure to visit the Show Notes page. The Show Notes are available at IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Yemen Here's some of what you'll find: The transcript of this episode Follow the podcast on social media Links to other related resources You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all and more on the Show Notes page: IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Yemen

Aisha, the Prophet's wife, is the victim of salacious gossip and rumors. With no one else to help her, she realizes she can only rely on Allah. Meanwhile, Prophet Muhammad must work hard to keep his small community together. Even though the leader of the hypocrites, Abdullah ibn Ubayy, will do everything to make him fail. After the show is over, be sure to visit the Show Notes page. The Show Notes are available at: IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Ifk Here's some of what you'll find: The transcript for this episode Download of my recent Khutbah, Family and Faith Links to other related resources You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all and more at the Show Notes page: IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Ifk

Instead of bringing peace, the Umayyad victory at Karbala brings even more instability to the Empire. Now the Muslims of Mecca and Medina are more determined than ever to shake off the Umayyad yoke. In Mecca, Abdullah ibn Zubayr is quietly building his support. He refuses to openly oppose Banu Umayyah, but everyone knows he's up to something. In Medina, Yazid is quickly losing his grip. Everything he does turns the Muslims of Medina against him even more.

A brief overview of the similarities and differences between Sunni and Shia.

Husayn and his group are trapped at Karbala. He tries to negotiate with Banu Umayyah, but it goes nowhere. This episode explores one of the most tragic and pivotal events in Islamic history. With this episode, the political faction known as Shi'atu Ali become the Shia religious sect.

Husayn is unaware of the fate of his cousin, Muslim ibn Aqeel, in Kufah. The last thing Husayn knew, the Shia in Kufah were waiting for him. With this knowledge, Husayn leaves Mecca with several members of his family, including women and children. But things are not good in Kufah. Ubaydullah, the governor of Kufah, is ready for Husayn and has sent Umar ibn Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas with an army of 4000 men to greet him.

Husayn sends his cousin, Muslim ibn Aqil, to see if he really does have support in Kufah. However, Yazid ibn Muawiyyah also sent his ruthless governor, Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad. The two men struggle for the heart and soul of this troubled city.

Muawiyyah dies and as planned, his son Yazid succeeds him as Caliph. But there are many people in the Muslim Empire who do not agree with this. Two of them are Husayn ibn Ali and Abdullah ibn Zubayr. They refuse to give Yazid the pledge and flee to Mecca. Ibn Zubayr begins to build alliances there while Husayn is being courted by the people of Kufah.

Muawiyyah and his administration have subdued the Muslim Empire. Most of Iraq has settled down and his detractors have fell silent. But Muawiyyah is concerned about the future. What's going to happen when he's gone? The Caliph conspires with his governors to turn the Caliphate to a monarchy. Muawiyyah does not believe the old ways of choosing the next Caliph works. He believes it needs to become a family affair.

The Umayyads had the practice of cursing Ali during their sermons. Many of the party of Ali did not like that. One of these men was Hujr ibn Adi, a companion and commander in Ali's army. When he heard the Umayyads cursing Ali, he would shout at them and to make them stop. But Ziyad ibn Abihi, the governor of Kufah and Basra, would not tolerate such defiance. He decided to find Hujr and make an example of him for others This episode chronicles the story of Hujr ibn Adi and one of the early incidents that led to the split between Sunnis and Shiites.

Basra is starting to slip out of control with rampant crime and too much rebellion. Muawiyyah is ready to bring in someone new; however, this new guy has a scandalous past. In this episode, we're introduced to Ziyad ibn Abihi, Muawiyyah's brutal governor of Basra. We'll see how Ziyad rises from obscurity to become the second most powerful man in the Empire. Join the Islamic History Podcast Telegram group and search "3-2" to download this episode's transcript.

Welcome back to another season of the Islamic History Podcast! In this season, we're going to mostly cover the Umayyad Dynasty. The first several episodes will be focused on the founder of this dynasty, Muawiyyah ibn Abi Sufyan. Today's episode is an introduction to Syria and Kufah during this period. We'll take a look at the challenges the new Muslim Caliph had to face in the never ending Khawarij threat. We'll discover how the early Muslim administrations were governed and some amazing details you probably never knew. This is guaranteed to be an episode that will both educate and entertain you. After the show is over, be sure to visit the Show Notes page. The Show Notes are available at: IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Kufah Here's some of what you'll find: The transcript for this episode Links to the Muslim Podcast of the Week Links to other related resources You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all and more at the Show Notes page: IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Kufah

The Fragmentation and End of the Rashidun Caliphate marked a permanent shift in Islamic history as the era of the four righteous caliphs gave way to dynastic rule. This episode explores the Rise of the Khawarij, a radical faction that declared both Ali and Mu'awiyah disbelievers, leading to internal strife that Ali attempted to solve through the Diplomacy of Ibn Abbas. We examine the controversial Arbitration Conflict at Dumat al-Jandal, where political maneuvering further weakened Ali’s authority and paved the way for Mu'awiyah’s territorial gains. As Ali faced the Loss of Regional Control—including the fall of Egypt and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina—the empire stood at a crossroads. The story concludes with the tragic assassination of Ali in Kufa, bringing an end to the first chapter of Islamic governance.

The Battle of Siffin and the Arbitration Agreement marked one of the most pivotal and heartbreaking moments in early Islamic history, as the Muslim Ummah faced a deep internal divide. This episode explores the administrative reorganization led by Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib, including his decision to move the capital of the Caliphate to the garrison city of Kufa to better manage the growing crisis. As the conflict escalated, we witness the political turmoil in Egypt, where shifting loyalties and hardline tactics alienated local supporters and further weakened Ali’s position. Central to this narrative is the role of the Companions (Sahaba); while some took up arms, many struggled with the moral weight of fighting fellow Muslims, choosing to remain on the sidelines. The tension reaches a peak with the fulfillment of prophecy through the martyrdom of Ammar ibn Yasir. His death served as a somber reminder of the Prophet’s words and fundamentally shifted the moral landscape of the battlefield. Join us as we detail the events leading to the banks of the Euphrates, the reluctant clash of armies, and the eventual call to let the Book of Allah decide the fate of the empire.

The Battle of the Camel serves as the tragic centerpiece of this episode, marking the first major military conflict between Muslims in the early Caliphate. After the murder of Caliph Uthman, the struggle for Caliphal authority intensified as Ali ibn Abi Talib sought to maintain unity while facing mounting pressure to find the killers. This story highlights the complex diplomacy of Companions, following the efforts of influential figures to avert bloodshed through negotiations. Despite these efforts, a "false flag" attack by internal instigators plunged the Ummah into betrayal and civil war, a period known as the First Fitna. Finally, we explore the dangerous rise of the Kharijites, an extremist faction whose legacy of instability continues to impact the Muslim world today.

The Political Friction and Divergent Perspectives between Ali and Aisha form the heart of this deep dive into one of Islamic history's most sensitive eras. Following the tragic assassination of Uthman ibn Affan, the Muslim Ummah faced an unprecedented crisis of leadership and justice. This episode explores the early life and character of Ali ibn Abi Talib, highlighting how his unique role as both a blood relative and a fierce warrior for the Prophet shaped his path to becoming the fourth Caliph. We examine the immense pressure Ali faced during the investigation into Uthman’s assassination, where a mob mentality and the lack of a formal forensic infrastructure in Medina made finding the "killing blow" nearly impossible. As Ali attempted to stabilize the empire by replacing provincial leaders, he faced resistance that fueled the instability of Ali’s early Caliphate, including a passive-aggressive standoff with Mu'awiyah in Syria. Simultaneously, we witness Aisha’s political mobilization and the road to civil war. From the city of Mecca, the Mother of the Believers used her immense social standing to drum up a force of 3,000, determined to seek the justice she felt Ali was indifferent toward. Finally, the episode addresses the legacies of the Sunni and Shi’ite perspectives, peeling back the layers of a thousand-year-old division to understand how these events are viewed by Muslims today.

For several years, there had been a low level of discontent in the Muslim empire. While most of the inhabitants were happy, there were a significant number who were not. Caliph Uthman had already spoken to his governors to try to get a handle on what was happening. Though they had many ideas, no one came up with a decision to fix the problem. So Uthman decided to hold another meeting, but this everyone was invited. He hoped to speak with the malcontents directly and see what was happening. The meeting was successful in that Uthman was managed to defend his decisions and found out why so many people were disaffected. He even agreed to several of their demands. Unfortunately, some of them would not be satisfied until Uthman was completely out of the picture. There's more to this show than just this single episode. Visit the show notes page for more links, articles, and videos related to this episode. Show notes for this episode are available at IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Uthman5. Here's some of what you'll find: Transcript for this episode Link to this week's book recommendation Video to this week's favorite Nasheed You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all at the Show Notes page IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Uthman5.

Many people mark the beginning of Uthman's troubles with the loss of the Prophet's rings. But things really got bad for Uthman when he lost the support of the esteemed companion, Ammar ibn Yasir. The antagonism against Uthman was growing in three main locations: Egypt, Kufah, and Basrah. The rest of the empire was calm and had no problems with his administration. No matter how what Uthman did, he could not get to the bottom of their malcontent. These mysterious complaints against have led some to believe a nefarious individual was behind everything. However, the reality was much more mundane. There were simply many people who did not agree with the way Uthman did things. Uthman was an old man and allowed trusted members of his family to run the government. Unfortunately, when things went bad, it was Uthman who took all the blame Show notes for this episode are available at IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Uthman4 Here's some of the things you'll find: Transcript for this episode Links to various related episodes Video to this week's favorite Nasheed, "Happy" by Omar Esa. You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Become a sponsor Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all and more at the Show Notes page IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Uthman4

One of the most troublesome spots in the Muslim world was the Iraqi city of Kufah. The people were fickle, restless, and never satisfied with their governor. Uthman had to change their governor no less than three times. Uthman's popularity took another hit during the Hajj of 649. Seemingly inconsequential actions had major repercussions. But the most important event during this period was the one that would bring the most benefit. Upon discovering the message of the Quran was in danger of being diluted and fractured, Uthman took immediate stops to reverse this trend. What came out of this was a standard, official compilation of the Quran that remains to this day. But even this great achievement came with its problems. Ultimately, it was just another chance for Uthman's opponents to gripe about him. The fun doesn't end when the podcast does. Visit the Show Notes page for more links, articles, and videos related to this episode Show notes for this episode are available at IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Uthman3 Here's some of the things you'll find: Transcript for this episode A link to the article "Do You And Your Muslim Spouse Speak the Same Language?" by Subhanah Wahhaj. Video to this week's favorite Nasheed, "Jannah" by Deen Squad. You can support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family. You can do it all at the Show Notes page IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Uthman3

Uthman has been accused of often appointing his family members to high positions. And in many instances that was true. But some of his appointments were still very good, even if they were related to him. An example of that is Muawiyyah ibn Abu Sufyan. In addition to finding favor with the Prophet of Islam, Muawiyyah was a competent governor of Syria. One of his earliest successes was the building of the first Muslim navy. But he would run into trouble when another companion, Abu Dharr, begins to criticize the way some Muslims lived. Abu Dharr was not one to hold his tongue; not even for the governor of Syria nor for the Caliph. When Abu Dharr's speech begins to rub people the wrong way, Uthman has to make some changes. Unfortunately, he was unaware how those changes would damage his reputation. Show notes for this episode are available at IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Uthman2 Some things you'll find interesting in the show notes are: Transcript for this episode "Married Almost 10 Years!" By Subhanah Wahhaj Video for favorite Nasheed of the week, "Muslim Queen" by Deen Squad. Please support the Islamic History Podcast by doing one (or more) of the following: Give a monthly pledge on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes Share with your friends and family You can do it all at the show notes page IslamicLearningMaterials.com/Uthman2

Uthman Ibn Affan has always been compared to others. Both during his lifetime and after, he has been compared to the Caliph that came before him and the one that would come after him. There are many factors that contributed to his popularity among a small segment of the Muslim society. Some of them were based on decisions that Uthman made. But some things were out of his control, such as: Not as many conquests as before Minority Muslim Arabs ruling over a conquered, non-Muslim people. Economic strain from entitlements established by Umar Ibn Al-Khattab. Still, there were some decisions that Uthman made that make us pause. One of his most questionable decisions was replacing a popular and successful general like Amr Ibn Al-As with Ibn Abi Sarh. It did not help that Ibn Abi Sarh had once betrayed Prophet Muhammad. And the fact that he was Uthman's cousin just made things even worse.

We're back! After a long hiatus, we discuss the assassination of Umar ibn Al-Khattab and the choice of Uthman as the 3rd Caliph of the Muslim world. Show notes available at islamiclearningmaterials.com/election

By 641, the Muslims had captured most of the Southwestern part of the Persian Empire. This area contained the best and most fertile lands and would be modern-day Iraq, Kuwait, and parts of northwestern Iran. As mentioned previously, Umar had grown weary of all the fighting and was grateful for their current holdings. However, the Persian pride was wounded and they couldn't accept a peace treaty with the Muslims. Emperor Yesdijird made his base in Nihavan and began to build another army to attack the Muslims. Continue Reading

The Muslims arrived at Alexandria in July 641 It was perhaps the most magnificent and biggest city they've encountered so far Alexandria was founded by the Greek general Alexander the Great and is named after him In Arabic it is called Al-Iskandariyah Alexander meant for it to be a great center of Hellenistic culture However Alexander left the city under the command of one of his generals soon after founding it. Then he went back on the warpath and never came back At one point, it was the second most important city in the world after Rome; if Rome was like NYC then Alexandria was like London Alexandria linked the Greek and Roman parts of Europe with and Arabia and Asia Continue Reading....

The Romans, either from fear or incompetence, had done little to stop Amr during this time Finally, they had to march out from Babylon to meet Amr near Heliopolis and try to drive him from Egypt for good Amr's spies told him of their movements and he planned to go out to meet them in battle. But during the night he sent out two smaller forces; one in the hills overlooking the plains...Continue Reading

In 451, 115 years before Prophet Muhammad, several men representing various facets of Christianity met in Chalcedon in modern Turkey. They were discussing how to define the true nature of Christ. They believed he was divine, yet he lived and died like a man. 3 weeks later, they decided Jesus Christ had two natures in one: he was both God and man. Any Christians who deviated from this belief were declared heretics which immediately led to a schism in the Church While most Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians accepted the Chalcedon decree, Armenian, Ethiopian, and Coptic Christians did not...Continue Reading

In 639, a plague broke out, originating in Nicopolis, or Imwas, in the modern state of Israel. The city no longer exists as it was destroyed by Israeli army during Six Day war. It is estimated around 20000 people died from this plague. Among them were many prominent Sahabas. The most well-knonw of all was Abu Ubaidah, the general that succeeded KIW in Syria Another companion was Muadh ibn Jabal - most famous for these instructions he received from Prophet Muhammad before embarking to Syria Continue reading...

Battle of Qadisiyyah was more devastating for the Persians than the Battle of Yarmouk was for the Romans Their defeat at Qadisiyyah left the Persian capital exposed to Muslim forces However, the Roman capital was hundreds of miles away in Constantinople and very safe from Muslim forces The Romans still had the ability to wage war against the Muslims However, the Persians were now just trying to survive We'll look at the events in Syria after Yarmouk first, and then take a look at Persia after Qadisiyyah

- Where we are so far -- In 632 CE Prophet Muhammad died and Abu Bakr was chosen by the residents of Medina as the Caliph -- Soon after, several of the Arab tribes that were allied with the Prophet rebelled against Abu Bakr -- Abu Bakr and his general KIW led a successful campaign to bring these tribes back in line -- These were known as the Ridda, or Apostasy Wars -- Abu Bakr commanded KIW to begin an invasion of southern Persia. -- KIW was successful and conquered most of the area around the Euphrates River -- At the same time, Abu Bakr also ordered Abu Ubaidah to lead an invasion into Syria -- Abu Ubaidah ran into strong resistance so Abu Bakr had KIW come from Persia to assist -- KIW led the Muslims to conquer Syria all the way up to Damascus -- Back in Medina, Abu Bakr died and Umar ibn Al-Khattab became the Caliph -- Umar removed KIW as the leader of the Muslim armies and put Abu Ubaidah back in charge -- The Romans and Syrians got over their initial shock of the Muslim invasion and began a strong counterattack. - In the last episode we discussed how the Romans and Persians began to make a comeback - Now we'll go into the details of that comeback and the result - We will first discuss the events in Syria and then those in Persia

In this episode, we detail the strategic maneuvers leading to the conquest of Damascus, the crowning jewel of the Byzantine presence in the Levant. We begin by analyzing the unique composition of the early Muslim army—described not as a regimented military, but as an "organized mob" that utilized mobility and harsh desert terrain to outmaneuver the sophisticated Roman forces. The narrative follows General Khalid ibn al-Walid as he executes a perilous 500-mile desert crossing from Persia to reinforce the Syrian front, utilizing legendary survival tactics to arrive just in time to save the Muslim forces. The episode covers the pivotal Battle of Ajnadayn, where the Muslims challenged the might of Emperor Heraclius to clear the road to the capital. As the siege unfolds, we witness the dramatic duality of the city's fall—one gate breached by force, the other opened by a peace treaty. Finally, the story shifts to Medina, marking the end of the first Caliphate and the beginning of the era of Omar ibn al-Khattab, whose early reforms included the controversial dismissal of the "Sword of Allah".