mother of the believers

A Novel of the birth of islam

by Kamran Pasha

Deep in the heart of seventh-century Arabia, a new prophet named Muhammad has arisen. As his message of enlightenment sweeps through Arabia and unifies the warring tribes, his young wife Aisha recounts Muhammad's astonishing transformation from prophet to warrior to statesman. But just after the moment of her husband's greatest triumph — the conquest of the holy city of Mecca — Muhammad falls ill and dies in Aisha's arms. A young widow, Aisha finds herself at the center of the new Muslim empire and becomes by turns a teacher, political leader, and warrior.

Written in beautiful prose and meticulously researched, Mother of the Believer is the story of an extraordinary woman who was destined to help usher Islam into the world.Hollywood screenwriter and producer Kamran Pasha has an incredible range of interests and talents. He was the writer and co-producer of Showtime’s Golden Globe-nominated television miniseries Sleeper Cell and served as a writer on NBC’s remake of Bionic Woman. In 2008, he wrote his first video game, entitled 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, the sequel to hip-hop mogul 50 Cent’s bestselling game Bulletproof. And currently he’s a writer and producer for NBC’s highly anticipated new series Kings (premiering March 15, 2009), a modern retelling of the biblical tale of King David. Now, with MOTHER OF THE BELIEVERS: A Novel of the Birth of Islam (Washington Square Press; Trade Paperback Original; April 14, 2009), he adds the title of novelist to his impressive credentials.

Born in Pakistan, Kamran Pasha moved to the United States at the age of three and has actively studied the Middle East throughout his life. It has long been his dream to write a novel that illuminates the vast richness of Muslim history and tradition. And with MOTHER OF THE BELIEVERS, he combines his enthusiasm, knowledge, and strong
storytelling skills to offer a fresh portrayal of the birth of Islam. Always one to think outside the box, Pasha adds a twist by telling the story through the eyes of the Prophet Mohammad’s youngest wife Aisha—politician, warrior, and the woman who helped usher Islam into the world.

Deep in the desert of 7th century Arabia, a new prophet named Muhammad has arisen. Foretold in a series of visions, he has been chosen to follow in his ancestor Abraham’s path—to abolish idolatry and establish the worship of the one God among the Arabs. But his quest to enlighten the world is not an easy one, and he and his small group of followers are met with anger and distain from the leaders of the city of Mecca. Mohammad longs for his people to return to the old ways of Abraham and his simple, pure vision. But how can his people stand up to the might of Mecca, whose lords live like kings, whose coffers are filled with gold, whose clansmen are armed with the finest swords and spears?

Aisha, the first child born into the faith of Islam, is destined from birth to be a pivotal player in the fledgling religion of Islam. For it is her fate to be the mother of a nation—a nation that has been chosen by God to change the world, to destroy iniquity, even as it is forever tempted to succumb to it.

When Mohammad sees young Aisha in a vision, she becomes the youngest of his twelve wives. Feisty, fierce, and intelligent, she soon establishes herself as the Prophet’s favorite. Years pass, and Muhammad’s religious movement sweeps through Arabia, unifying warring tribes, transforming him from prophet to statesman. But Aisha’s prominence and power engenders jealousy and intrigue, which threatens to tear apart the infant religion at its birth.

 

Praise for Mother of the Believers

"Both epic and intimate, a glorious story"
—Amy Tan, bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club

"Kamran Pasha's Mother of the Believers taught me more about the soul of Islam in a few hundred pages than seven years' worth of contemporary news coverage, punditry, and the shelf full of books I've got at home. Superbly written, brilliantly realized, and absolutely authoritative, Pasha's tale of the Prophet, told by Muhammad's favored wife Aisha (who was no slouch as a warrior herself), brings depth and humanity to a people, a faith and a world that many of us in the West, myself included, have seen heretofore only as alien and enemy. Mother of the Believers is much needed in this hour-and it's a helluva ripping yarn too!"
—Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire

"A brilliant, beautiful historical novel unlike anything I've read in years. Pasha's book brings the early history of Islam alive and sheds light on one of the most fascinating women in history. You will love this book."
—Reza Aslan, author of No god but God and How to Win a Cosmic War

 "With incredible scholarship and sensitivity, Kamran Pasha has crafted a remarkable tale and one that is long overdue. From the early days of persecution and enmity to the triumph of what will be one of the world's great religions, Aisha describes the struggle of a small band of believers to survive and ultimately to flourish in an environment that is by turns unforgiving and breathtakingly beautiful. This is a book of inspired and heartfelt imagination to be savored and enjoyed and an achievement of the first order." 
—Frederick J. Chiaventone, author of Moon of Bitter Cold

"With insight and sensitivity, and in a beautiful balance of research and imagination, Kamran Pasha sheds light not only on the seminal figure of Aisha but on the origins of Islam. Mother of the Believers is both timely and timeless."  
—Karen Essex, author of Leonardo's Swans

 

About the Author

Kamran Pasha holds a JD from Cornell Law School, an MBA from Dartmouth and an MFA from UCLA Film School. He spent three years as a journalist in New York City, writing for media companies such as Knight-Ridder. During his time as a reporter, Kamran interviewed prominent international figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, and Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He currently works as an author and screewriter, most recently on NBC's Kings.

 

Learn more about Kamran Pasha by clicking here