Islamic History Books — History of Islam, Caliphs, Makkah & Madinah

Islamic history is the story of Islam from the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ through the rightly guided caliphs and the dynasties that followed. Shop Islamic history books from Darussalam UK: the History of Islam series, Al-Bidayah wan-Nihaya, histories of the conquests and commanders, and the history of Makkah and Madinah, with fast UK delivery.

History of Islam: the first caliphs

Darussalam’s History of Islam series tells the lives of the early leaders of the ummah in clear, easy-to-read English: Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan and Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, founder of the Umayyad dynasty. To read about the people around them, see our books on the Companions of the Prophet.

Al-Bidayah wan-Nihaya and the early Muslim community

Al-Bidayah wan-Nihaya by Ibn Kathir is one of the most authoritative works of Islamic history, and Darussalam offers abridged English volumes from it. In Defence of the True Faith covers the battles, expeditions and treaties of the Prophet’s ﷺ lifetime, and The Caliphate of Banu Umayyah (First Phase) runs from Muawiyah in 41 AH to 132 AH. For his life in full, browse our Seerah books.

Conquests, commanders and great leaders

Commanders of The Muslim Army profiles the companions who led the Muslim forces, and Islamic Conquest Throughout The Ages follows Islamic expansion from the early caliphs to the Ottoman Empire. Golden Stories of Umar ibn Abdul Azeez tells the story of the Umayyad caliph remembered for his just leadership.

History of Makkah and Madinah

History of Madinah Munawwarah traces the city from Yathrib to the Hijrah and its later expansions, while Holy Makkah covers the Kaaba, Zamzam and the rites of Hajj. French readers can choose L’Histoire de Makkah. Planning a pilgrimage? See our Hajj and Umrah books.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best Islamic history books?

It depends on what you want to read. The History of Islam series is a good start for the early caliphs, the Al-Bidayah wan-Nihaya volumes draw on a classical source, and the Makkah and Madinah histories cover the holy cities.

What does Islamic history cover?

Islamic history covers the life of the Prophet ﷺ, the rightly guided caliphs, the Companions, and the dynasties and conquests that followed, such as the Umayyads.

Which books are suitable for young readers?

Most History of Islam titles are written in easy-to-read English for ages 10 and up. For younger children, see our Islamic books for kids.

Is there a book on the Umayyad caliphate?

Yes. The Caliphate of Banu Umayyah (First Phase) covers the period from Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan in 41 AH to Caliph Marwan al-Himar in 132 AH, taken from Al-Bidayah wan-Nihaya.

Do you have books on the history of Makkah and Madinah?

Yes. We stock History of Madinah Munawwarah and Holy Makkah in English, and L’Histoire de Makkah in French.

Do you deliver across the UK?

Yes. Darussalam UK delivers across the UK, and delivery options are shown at checkout.