This is a long history book, covering everything happened from the big bang until the author's time.
I only read parts 7, 8. Which, I think, was the most critical period in islamic history: the disputes over of who should rule the muslim state after the prophet's death, and the role of Omar in resolving these disputes. Dealing with mass apostasy in the east, and the expansion to the north.
But most importantly: The death of Othman, and the reasons to kill such a nice Caliph. Why this part of history is usually skipped in school while covering all the boring details of islamic history?
This is what made me read this book. It doesn't clearly state it, but it appears that he seemed to favor his kins. That's why his strongest kin, Mu'awiya, didn't give in to Ali. The latter must have been the most unlucky person in history: Wise, brave, and righteous, but leading an army of hypocrites and murderers to 3 wars who finally ended up killing him (and it was a triple assassination attempt but only his attacker was successful!). The interesting details continue all the way until the tragic death of his son Husain.
An important foundation for anyone interested in learning about sunni/shia split.
cukup objektif dan mendetail mengupas tarikh Islam masa khulafaur rasyidin. Lengkap dengan analisa sejarah yang kuat. al bidayah seolah mampu menjawab distorsi sejarah yang coba dilakukan kalangan syi'ah imamiyah.