Literature and History

The Rashidun caliphate, from 632-661, completely changed the history of the world. Learn the story of the greatest imperial expansion of the first millennium, together with the complex political and theological history behind it. Episode 120 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com ...  Show more

The Qur'an has deep roots in the Bible and in the unique religious climate of Late Antique Mecca. Learn about its many references to the Bible and ancient Arabian religion in this episode. Kevin Stroud's The History of English: https://historyofenglishpodcast.com/ Episode 119 Qui ...  Show more

Learn about the foundations of Islamic Law in the Qur'an - the 350 or so verses that tell believers what they're required to do, and what's prohibited. Episode 118 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-118/ Episode 118 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode ...  Show more

Learn the basics of the Qur'an - its size, structure, how and when it came together, and the book's most important contents. Episode 117 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-117/ Episode 117 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-117-the-quran-part-1 Bonus ...  Show more

During the final years of the Prophet Muhammad's life and the immediate aftermath of his death, the Muslims conquered Mecca, the first caliph Abu Bakr came to power, and the stage was set for the great Islamic conquests of the seventh century. Episode 116 Quiz: https://literature ...  Show more