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The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Robert Spencer (Author, Narrator), Post Hill Press (Publisher)
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The comprehensive history of the role of war and terror in the spread of Islam.

It is taken for granted, even among many Washington policymakers, that Islam is a fundamentally peaceful religion and that Islamic jihad terrorism is something relatively new, a product of the economic and political ferment of the 20th century. But in The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS, Islamic scholar Robert Spencer proves definitively that Islamic terror is as old as Islam itself, as old as Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, who said “I have been made victorious through terror.”

Spencer briskly traces the 1,400-year war of Islamic jihadis against the rest of the world, detailing the jihad against Europe, including the 700-year struggle to conquer Constantinople; the jihad in Spain, where non-Muslims fought for another 700 years to get the jihadi invaders out of the country; and the jihad against India, where Muslim warriors and conquerors wrought unparalleled and unfathomable devastation in the name of their religion.

Told in great part in the words of contemporary chroniclers themselves, both Muslim and non-Muslim, The History of Jihad shows that jihad warfare has been a constant of Islam from its very beginnings, and present-day jihad terrorism proceeds along exactly the same ideological and theological foundations as did the great Islamic warrior states and jihad commanders of the past.

The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS is the first one-volume history of jihad in the English language, and the first book to tell the whole truth about Islam’s bloody history in an age when Islamic jihadis are more assertive in Western countries than they have been for centuries. This book is indispensable to understanding the geopolitical situation of the twenty-first century, and ultimately to formulating strategies to reform Islam and defeat radical terror.

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  1. Listening Length
    13 hours and 41 minutes
  2. Author
    Robert Spencer
  3. Narrator
    Robert Spencer
  4. Audible release date
    October 9, 2018
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Post Hill Press
  7. ASIN
    B07J2RHT98
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
Next slide of product details

Product details

Listening Length 13 hours and 41 minutes
Author Robert Spencer
Narrator Robert Spencer
Audible.com Release Date October 09, 2018
Publisher Post Hill Press
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B07J2RHT98
Best Sellers Rank #34,433 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#16 in Muhammed in Islam
#29 in Islam (Audible Books & Originals)
#45 in Radical Political Thought

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
899 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book detailed, fact-filled, and excellent. They also say the writing style is very well written and thought-provoking. Readers say the book adds to their knowledge of world religions.

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81 customers mention "Content"78 positive3 negative

Customers find the book detailed, fact-filled, and well-written. They also say it's thought-provoking, vital, comprehensive, and brutal. Customers also say Spencer is a noble, kind, and truthful person.

"...Three Christian Crusades are covered with great factuality, not trying to cover up deeds that were less than exemplary to either side. With..." Read more

"...The rest of Spencer’s well researched and thoroughly documented book are the details, fascinating, convincing and frightening details that more that..." Read more

"...The book offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of jihad, which is often misrepresented or misunderstood in today’s volatile political climate..." Read more

"...Robert Spencer is a noble, kind, truthful person...." Read more

39 customers mention "Reading experience"39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent and valuable for adding to their knowledge of world's religions.

"...I can't recommend it highly enough. It is very readable and should be read by everyone." Read more

"...The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in studying the history of Islam, terrorism, and political extremism." Read more

"...How many have even heard of it?.This is fascinating, outstanding and unprecedented, yet all we hear is how the German barbarians..." Read more

"...’s new best seller, The History of Jihad From Muhammad To ISIS, is an excellent, no, I’d say outstanding history...." Read more

24 customers mention "Writing style"18 positive6 negative

Customers find the writing style of the book very well written and thought-provoking.

"...I can't recommend it highly enough. It is very readable and should be read by everyone." Read more

"...The author’s writing style is also engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow complex ideas and events...." Read more

"Yes, it is a little dry and slow reading. That's because it is packed with verified facts...." Read more

"...Thorough notes section; great index. Readable. Excellent reference book to keep.TIMELINE:..." Read more

5 customers mention "Mature content"0 positive5 negative

Customers find the mature content of the book terrifying, shocking, and violent. They also say it's controversial and supremacist.

"...I would say do not read this book, it is so dark and disturbing...." Read more

"...It is not a religion of peace. It is violent and very supremacist. It wants to control the planet. Muslims are ordered to do so...." Read more

"...people want to avoid learning the information in this book, it is certainly frightening. It is so sad and cold-hearted." Read more

"...This book is shocking , and maybe controversial, but it is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand current affairs." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

dalu
5.0 out of 5 stars Well documented history
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
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This book was so well documented with original sources and was not obviously very biased. Learning about the life, timeline, and battles of Mohammed and the continued activities after his death, up to present days filled in a portion of history I was lacking. The end of the Roman Empire and the impact of the Muslims on the reshaping of the world order was riveting. Three Christian Crusades are covered with great factuality, not trying to cover up deeds that were less than exemplary to either side.
With the age-old conflicts arising again rather alarmingly in our midst, this book brings perhaps unwelcome but important insights. I can't recommend it highly enough. It is very readable and should be read by everyone.
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Frank N. Hawkins
5.0 out of 5 stars Robert Spencer, a Paul Revere of our Times
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2018
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Robert Spencer, a Paul Revere of Our Times
By Frank Hawkins

Robert Spencer’s new book The History of Jihad from Muhammad to ISIS is a clarion call to Western Civilization. We are under assault by Islam from all sides in a war that has raged since 632, the date of Muhammad’s death. In trying to raise the alarm, Spencer is clearly one of the Paul Reveres of our time. But who is willing to listen?

Spencer’s opening observation sums up his book.
“There is no period since the beginning of Islam that was characterized by peaceful co-existence between Muslims and non-Muslims . . . There has always been, with virtually no interruption, jihad. Nor is jihad in Islamic theology primarily, or even prominently anything but warfare against non-believers.”
The rest of Spencer’s well researched and thoroughly documented book are the details, fascinating, convincing and frightening details that more that substantiate his case.

Spencer is one of the world’s leading authorities on Islam. He has written several best selling books on Islam and is founder of Jihad Watch, a website that covers global Islamic attacks and activity on a daily basis. It is a program of the David Horowitz Freedom center, where Spencer is a Shillman Fellow. He also is co-founder of Stop Islamization of America. A tireless speaker and advocate, he has been banned from entering the UK despite the fact the British government has no trouble allowing Islamic hate preachers full access.

Of the Greek Orthodox faith, Spencer has spent decades researching, studying and observing the elements that fill this important book with records of events and, most damagingly, direct quotes from Qur’an, which “contain numerous exhortations to fight against the infidels, as do all the hadith collections of Muhammad’s words and deeds.” More specifically, the scriptures command Muslims to “fight those who do not believe in Allah.” The historical record is chilling. But Spencer’s most damaging and convincing argument is letting the Muslims speak for themselves including the prophet Muhammad who bragged, “I have been victorious with terror.”

The book sweeps the reader through Muhammad’s own bloody conquests against Jews and other infidels, and then on through centuries of jihad, mass bloodshed from Spain to India, the Barbary Wars, the Ottoman Empire, and on into modern day global terrorism. There is no accurate body count, but it’s certainly a staggering number.

His most alarming material is in the closing chapter “The West loses the Will to Live.” The well-documented, ongoing jihad against Israel is more than enough for a book of its own. The fall of the Shah of Iran triggered the globalization of modern jihad terrorism. Spencer details the rise of Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden along with the 9/11 attacks that were, not so shockingly, organized and funded by senior people in both Saudi Arabia and Iran. Even worse were attempts by the Bush administration and the Obama administration to cover this up. One can see the hand of Obama’s CIA director John Brennan in a good deal of this. Who can forget Obama’s 2009 trip to Cairo where he “acknowledged civilization’s debt to Islam.” Somehow he managed not to mention the slaughter of millions over the centuries in the name of Allah.

The Obama-supported Muslim Brotherhood, which has been labeled by some as a terrorist group, and its offshoot CAIR, remain highly active in weakening America’s resolve to resist the encroachment of Islam. In February 2012, for instance, the Obama administration, led by John Brennan, purged thousands of documents about the threat of Jihad from FBI and other government training manuals, because they were allegedly “biased, false and highly offensive to Muslim groups.” In other words, Spencer points out, “American was going to war against jihadists while forbidding itself to understand jihad.” Brennan, in fact, “was instrumental in the Obama administration’s recasting of the defense against terror as a localized struggle against al-Qaeda.“ This was after Spencer had led seminars on Islam and jihad for the FBI, the United States Central Command, United States Army Command and General Staff College, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Justice Department’s Terrorism Advisory Council and the US intelligence community.

Meanwhile, the flood of Muslim immigrants into the West has accelerated. Spencer concludes that, “The failure of today’s leadership and the international media to inform the public about what is really going on (is) an abdication of responsibility unparalleled in history.” Spencer believes the leaders of Europe have “brought almost certain doom on their countries.” Reading daily dispatches, particularly from the UK and France, it is difficult to disagree.

Spencer is not a lone voice. In his daily electronic ride across America warning of the increasing Islamic threat, he has active allies in Pamela Geller, David Horowitz, Brigitte Gabriel, Jamie Glazov, Raymond Ibrahim and Glen Roberts who have not been afraid to identify the ideological monster that threatens to destroy our Constitution and our way of life. Roberts’ website, the Religion of Peace keeps daily track of jihadist attacks on a global basis: 33,953 since 9/11. Islamic extremism and efforts to combat it were responsible for 84,000 deaths in 2017, according to a report from an organization founded by former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair. The data found that there were 7,841 attacks in 48 countries in 2017, at least 47 Islamic extremist groups deliberately "orchestrated fatal campaigns against civilians." Those attacks, the report says, were "designed to instill fear and erode public morale."

The real question is how to destroy the Islamic destroyers. Amil Imani, writing for Pamela Geller’s website, offers an action specific list that includes holding to account politicians who sell themselves to Islamic advocacy groups, staying informed and finding ways to actively wean ordinary Muslims away from their religion of destruction, intolerance, backwardness and death. Muslims need to be openly challenged ideologically. Do they accept Sharia law (female genital mutilation, the right of a man to beat one’s wife, total subjugation of wives by their husbands, death for unmarried fornication and adultery, death to gays, death to critics of Islam, death for apostates) over America’s Constitutional law? Is reform of Islam even a theoretical possibility?

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich echoes Spencer,
“Western civilization is in a war. We should frankly test every person here who is of a Muslim background, and if they believe in Sharia, they should be deported. Sharia is incompatible with Western civilization. Modern Muslims who have given up Sharia— I am glad to have them as citizens. Perfectly happy to have them next door.”

On a personal note, I spent two exciting years in Beirut as chief of Middle East Services for the Associated Press. I had many Arab, Armenian and Palestinian friends and employees. Many of them were wonderful, lovely people who were fun to socialize and spend time with. But this was before Jimmy Carter cut the floor out from under the Shah, paving the way for the Ayatollah Khomeini to return from Paris to Tehran to assume leadership of the country. My friends were what I would call cultural or secular Muslims. They were not devout and did not pray five times a day. As far as I knew they were good people. So it’s important to separate good human beings from radical Islam wherever we can.

In his 2002 “Letter to the American people,” bin Laden wrote that war against the United States will end
“only with the submission of the United States to the warriors of jihad. The first thing we are calling you to is Islam . . . killing you and fighting you and terrorizing you, responding to your attacks, all are considered to be the great legitimate duty in our religion. These actions are offerings to God.”
Will any Imam or devout Muslim challenge this or renounce it?

“The historical record speaks for itself,” says Spencer, “even more loudly and clearly than it usually does. It is my hope that readers with an open mind and a willingness to consider unwelcome facts…will see this record for what it is and ponder carefully its implications for the future of free societies around the world.” In other words, Islam is coming, by land, sea and air. The warnings are all there. It’s time to recognize what is happening and bring it to a halt.

Frank Hawkins is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer, Associated Press foreign correspondent, international businessman, senior newspaper company executive, founder and owner of several marketing companies, and published novelist. He currently lives in retirement in North Carolina.
11 people found this helpful
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Colin J. Edwards
5.0 out of 5 stars This work offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of jihad.
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2023
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The History of Jihad by Robert Spencer is a comprehensive and well-researched account of the significant events that have shaped the Muslim world. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of jihad, which is often misrepresented or misunderstood in today’s volatile political climate. The author provides a detailed analysis of various jihadist movements throughout history and their impact on Muslim societies, as well as their role in shaping world history.

One of the most significant features of the book is its objective perspective. Spencer presents a balanced view of the history of jihad, without favoritism towards any particular ideology. He traces the origins of jihadist movements from their earliest manifestations in pre-Islamic Arabia to their rise and spread throughout the world. The author also discusses the concept of “dhimmitude,” which is a key component of Islamic law and the treatment of non-Muslims living in Muslim societies.

Apart from historical analysis, Spencer includes a detailed description of modern-day jihadist movements, such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. He draws parallels between the different jihadist movements and their common goals of spreading their version of Islam around the world. The author also discusses the response of Western governments to the threat of jihad, highlighting the deficiencies of policies that have failed to prevent the spread of radicalism.

One of the most refreshing aspects of The History of Jihad is its use of primary sources. Spencer offers an extensive list of references that includes the Quran, Hadith, and historical manuscripts, making his research accessible and verifiable. The author’s writing style is also engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow complex ideas and events.

Overall, The History of Jihad is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the origins and impact of jihadist movements on the Muslim world and beyond. Spencer’s comprehensive analysis of the history and modern-day manifestations of jihadist movements provides a unique perspective on one of the most significant developments in world history. The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in studying the history of Islam, terrorism, and political extremism.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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stefan
5.0 out of 5 stars Een MUST-READ
Reviewed in the Netherlands on October 9, 2022
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Een compleet overzicht van de Islam JIHAD (oorlog tegen niet-Moslims). Vanaf het begin 7de eeuw tot heden. Hierna begrijp je wat Islam aan het doen is in Europa, Canada, USA en elders...

Wat Amazon aan het doen is begrijp ik niet: eerst werden de emails met tijdvak afgeschaft zodat we de hele middag en avond thuis moeten blijven, en nu komen de bezorgers ook al niet meer aan de deur; ik moet naar beneden komen, Derde verdieping en 67 jaar oud. En lopen wordt steeds moeilijker.
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Phoenix
5.0 out of 5 stars Prayers to all those who suffered because of Jihad
Reviewed in India on December 25, 2020
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I have to admit i had tears in my eyes thinking about all those people who suffered because of a religion that promotes violence and hatred towards others. I always used to think that the whole concept of Islamic terrorism was because of overly religious Muslims. I used to tell this myself every time a terrorist incident happen and I could never even in my wildest dream imagine the so called holy book of Koran could say anything violent because i always hear my friends saying its full of love and peace. It was only in 2020 I realized how grossly wrong i was about everything after some major incidents. To be precise let me name some incidents that happened. First was CAA-NRC protest and the Delhi riot that followed. In the beginning i thought it was purely a political issue, but soon I could see venom spewing against Hindus at every turn of the protest and when the riot happened in Delhi, there was a clear propaganda to somehow blame it on Hindus. I was amazed at the "consistency" in hatred these people felt towards Hindus. I was really surprised about how the same kind of hatred towards Hindus on the matter of CAA-NRC could be seen with Muslims in Kashmir and Muslims in Kerala, even with Palestinians and Turks who had nothing to do with CAA-NRC. Thats when it struck me that, there is definitely something wrong somewhere . Yet i only suspected preachers misguiding people but never doubted the Koran or real teachings of Islam. In July I started reading the report released by Opindia in Amazon about Delhi riot. There i could get a real insight of the dangers associated with this religion. And i didnt have to wait too long to get my eyes wide opened. A riot took place in Bangalore and a week later a riot took place in Malmö in Sweden. I for the first time saw people quoting verses from Koran that actually calls out for such violence in response to talking about prophet or islam which is exactly what happened in bangalore and Sweden. Later i saw an interview of Robert Spencer that he gave to Nupur Sharma where he gave a brief explanation about some of these dangerous problems. Now i am a regular watcher of David Wood and ApostateProphet on Youtube who two have done so much research and debates on this matter.

As an Indian one thing i wish to say is that the whole lie that "The divide and rule" policy of Britishers is the prime cause of current Hindu-Muslim tensions is exposed clearly if you read this book which tells you the real face of Mughals than any history textbooks we study in India. There was no tension before Britishers because there was complete subjugation of Hindus. Post Independence Hindus werent subjugated anymore which is somehow being seen as cause of tensions . No wonder even Mahtama Ghandhi himself advised to not to act against Islamic oppression of non believers. It is absurd to blame Brits and their policy instead of pointing out real reasons.

One thing I would have liked to see Robert mention in this book was about burning down of Nalanda university. Yes of course Robert have mentioned about atrocities of Bakhtiyar Khalji in India but he seems to have missed out this important detail. Which had a really lasting effect on India especially in the downfall of our culture, continuation of knowledge level and we are forced to build up that level of knowledge from scratch while rest of the world surged past us.

A request for Robert/publishers is that to make either this or some of his other book available on Kindle unlimited or Prime reading as this would increase the reach and awareness among people. Especially in India we seems to be living in an oblivion about the truth and history.

A sincere wish I have as an optimistic Indian who in spite of knowing all this is that, India can somehow exist in peace without anyone having to hate a Muslim. And for this to happen i hope Muslims can actually see the real cause of problem and have the secularist mind to reject all those violent ideas and ideology
27 people found this helpful
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AEK
5.0 out of 5 stars Knowing the past, being aware of the present and protecting your future!
Reviewed in Canada on May 15, 2019
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People who ignore history in the name of being PC, are doomed to end up victims to this crazy ideology. No religion preaches murder and subjugation. Read the book, inform yourself about this ideology, warn your local politicians to stand on guard, to represent and to serve you as they have sworn they will when they took office. Most of them live like ostriches, pretending everything is great (it is for them and their short term vision), being PC afraid to stand up for the people, believing a lie and propagating it. This book will educate the ones hiding from the facts and truth. Perhaps buy this book and mail it to your local politicians... maybe they will grow a spine and do their jobs.
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Gerard
5.0 out of 5 stars info
Reviewed in Germany on January 2, 2019
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Very detailed info on this subject, a lot to learn about the past what influences modern day.
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Valetta
5.0 out of 5 stars The best overview of Islamic History you will find
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 4, 2018
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If the history of our own age is written by someone other than a Muslim historian gloating over yet another Islamic conquest, it will be due in no small measure to the work of Robert Spencer and The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS. Spencer takes us from the roots of Islamic warfare in the teachings and example of Muhammad himself (not a man of peace by any stretch of the imagination) to the Muslim attempt over 1400 years to force people to accept his message of total obedience to a set of principles which to outsiders are clearly immoral.

Unlike the mea culpa culture of the West today, this history of conquest, enslavement, lechery, and cruelty has never been disavowed by Muslims but is rather seen as a glorious past and, even more chilling, the model of future greatness.

He also brings out the parallels between former ages and our own. There were misguided collaborators with the jihadists just as there are today. There were despicable traitors just as there are today. There were heroes just as there are today - and Robert Spencer is certainly one of those. He has carried the banner of freedom, learning, truth, and amazingly, cheerfulness ever since the attacks of 9/11: always informing, illuminating, showing us the theological roots that underlie barbarism in all its forms.

By putting the whole sorry saga into one very readable volume, he makes it abundantly clear that Islam never was and never will be a religion of peace. Please, please, please western leaders, take note!
4 people found this helpful
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