The Dissenter

#1075 Michael Cook: A History of the Muslim World (Part 1)

Mar 24, 2025
Guest
Michael Cook
Michael Cook, a renowned expert in Near Eastern Studies, discusses his latest book, providing insights on the history of the Muslim world. He explores the distinction between 'Islamic' and 'Muslim', charting the origins of the Muslim community from Medina to the Prophet Muhammad's death. The conversation dives into the socio-political landscape of the Middle East, the emergence of Islam in 7th century Arabia, and the complex dynamics between religion and state during Muhammad's era. Cook also sheds light on the challenges surrounding the origins and preservation of the Quran.
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Episode notes
1
Intro
00:00 • 2min
2
Defining Muslim Identity and the Origins of the Muslim World
01:33 • 2min
3
The Rise of Empires and Nomadic Powers
04:01 • 7min
4
The Birth of Islam in 7th Century Arabia
11:20 • 24min
5
The Origins and Compilation of the Quran
35:35 • 2min
6
Religion and State in Early Islam
38:01 • 9min
7
Exploring the Origins and Evolution of the Muslim World
46:46 • 3min