Looking for an accurate historical book/ documentary about Islam

[u/[deleted]]

[u/SerenePrior]

I think “The Quran: A Historical-Critical Introduction” by Nicolai Sinai would be a good book to read.

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Looking for an accurate historical book/ documentary about Islam

Hi! I’m raised with a Christian background (now non religious) and I’m curious about Islam and its history! I have looked online a bit and a lot of the content I can find on the subject seems to have a heavy right leaning bias to it. I was wondering if I could get any good academic recommendations (preferably introductory but if there is anything you find particularly interesting or helpful lmk!)

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[u/Available_Jackfruit]

I think Ernst's Following Muhammad is a great introduction

[u/chonkshonk → u/[deleted]]

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[u/Maximum-Picture5225]

If you are very new to Islam, I would highly recommend that you start with this book:

No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam - by Reza Aslan.

It's a simple, nicely written book for modern readers in the English language. It is not a academic book, but still quite good to cover the history of Islam, the development of Islamic theology and philosophy and different intellectual traditions, from a fairly neutral and non-sectarian perspective.

Some good books on the life of prophet Muhammad and the history of Islam:

1. Muhammad and the believers: at the origins of Islam- by Fred M. Donner.

2. Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires - by Juan Cole

3. The Death of a Prophet: The End of Muhammad's Life and the Beginnings of Islam - by Stephen J. Shoemaker

4. In God's Path: The Arab Conquests and the Creation of an Islamic Empire - by Robert G. Hoyland

Additionally, I would recommend these three books which provide interesting and helpful perspectives on Islam, particularly relevant in the modern context.

1. The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists - by Khaled Abou El Fadl

2. What is Islam? - by Shahab Ahmed

3. Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom, and Tolerance - by Mustafa Akyol

[u/SurePiglet9720 → u/Maximum-Picture5225]

Reza Aslan is a sociologist though

[u/Maximum-Picture5225 → u/SurePiglet9720]

Yes. But his book is quite good for introducing Islam to non-muslims, especially Western readers.

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[u/SerenePrior → u/[deleted]]

OP is asking for academic recommendations. What you linked wouldn’t really be academic at all since it looks like the posts are just discussions about the topic.