Parable and Politics in Early Islamic History

*Parable and Politics in Early Islamic History* by Tayeb El-Hibri is an academic work that examines the use of parables and allegorical storytelling in early Islamic historical and political contexts. El-Hibri explores how these narratives were used by early Islamic leaders, particularly during the Umayyad and Abbasid periods, to shape political ideologies, consolidate power, and communicate moral and social lessons to the public. The book focuses on how parables—often rooted in religious and philosophical traditions—served not just as vehicles for moral teaching, but as tools for political persuasion and propaganda. El-Hibri discusses the role of key figures such as the early caliphs and the development of Islamic political thought, revealing how storytelling became intertwined with governance and religious authority. The book offers a sophisticated analysis of how literary and rhetorical devices, like parables, helped form the cultural and ideological framework that defined early Islamic society. It’s a valuable resource for scholars of Islamic history, literature, and political theory, shedding light on the intersection of narrative, power, and politics in the formative years of Islam.