The Arabic Historical Tradition & the Early Islamic Conquests - 9781138918948

Taylor & Francis

The Arabic Historical Tradition & the Early Islamic ConquestsFolklore, Tribal Lore, Holy War\nAuthor(s): Boaz Shoshan\nFormat: Hardback\nPublisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd, United Kingdom\nImprint: Routledge\nISBN-13: 9781138918948, 978-1138918948\nSynopsis\nThe early Arab conquests pose a considerable challenge to modern-day historians. The earliest historical written tradition emerges only after the second half of the eighth century- over one hundred years removed from the events it contends to describe, and was undoubtedly influenced by the motives and interpretations of its authors. Indeed, when speaking or writing about the past, fact was not the only, nor even the prime, concern of Muslims of old.\n\nThe Arabic Historic Tradition and the Early Islamic Conquests presents a thorough examination of Arabic narratives on the early Islamic conquests. It uncovers the influence of contemporary ideology, examining recurring fictive motifs and evaluating the reasons behind their use.