In a convincing reinterpretation of early Islamic history, Wilferd Madelung examines the conflict that developed after the death of Muhammad for control of the Muslim community. He demonstrates how this conflict, which marked the demise of the first four caliphs, resulted in the lasting schism between Sunnite and Shiite Islam. In contrast to recent scholarly trends, the author takes up the Shii cause, arguing in defense of the succession of Ali. This book will make a major scholarly contribution to the debate over succession.