Thomas Walker Arnold Boeken

It is with considerable diffidence that I publish these pages, as the subject is vast and my circumstances disadvantageous, leading me to expect only modest success. I hope that with further study and better preparation, I can contribute more effectively to this neglected area of Muhammadan history. I welcome the criticisms and corrections of scholars who may engage with this work. In the spirit of St. Augustine, I invite readers to challenge my interpretations with charity and truth, as such discourse would enrich my efforts. I do not claim to be an authority on the historical periods discussed, and given the controversies surrounding many of the events, I have provided extensive references to the consulted sources, opting for thoroughness over brevity. The publisher, Forgotten Books, specializes in reproducing important historical works, utilizing advanced technology to digitally reconstruct texts while preserving their original format. Though some imperfections from the original may remain, most have been repaired to maintain the integrity of these historical documents.