The Book of Tribulations

The Book of Tribulations is the earliest complete Muslim apocalyptic text to survive, and as such has considerable value as a primary text. It is unique in its importance for Islamic history: focusing upon the central Syrian city of Hims, it gives us a picture of the personalities of the city, the tribal conflicts within, the tensions between the proto-Muslim community and the majority Christian population, and above all details about the wars with the Byzantines. Additionally, Nu'aym gives us a range of both the Umayyad and the Abbasid official propaganda, which was couched in apocalyptic and messianic terms. Apocalyptic predictions and histories are named in the comprehensive chapters. This 2017 edition of The Book of Tribulations: The Syrian Muslim Apocalyptic Tradition is translated and edited by Rice University Professor David Cook.