Islamic Military History Series (3 Vol. Set)

Overview

The Islamic Military History Series is a landmark three-volume work by the renowned historian and military strategist Lieutenant-General A. I. Akram, offering a detailed and compelling account of the early Islamic conquests during the first century of Islam.

Based on extensive research in classical Arabic sources and first-hand battlefield analysis, this series presents a rare combination of historical depth and military insight, making it one of the most authoritative English-language works on early Islamic military history.

Volumes Included

Volume 1: The Sword of Allah – Khalid bin Al-Waleed
A masterful biography of one of the greatest military commanders in history, Khalid bin Al-Waleed (RA). This revised 2026 edition chronicles his life, strategies, and decisive role in shaping early Islamic victories. Widely regarded as one of the finest works on a Companion of the Prophet (ﷺ), it highlights his unmatched genius and legacy.

Volume 2: The Muslim Conquest of Persia
This volume explores the dramatic confrontation between the Muslim armies and the mighty Sasanian Empire. It details the key battles, figures, and turning points that led to the سقوط of one of the greatest empires of the ancient world, presenting a story of determination, faith, and transformation.

Volume 3: The Muslim Conquest of Egypt and North Africa
Covering the campaigns in Egypt and across North Africa, this volume highlights the leadership of figures such as ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ and ʿUqbah ibn Nāfiʿ. It traces the fall of Roman strongholds, the establishment of Qayrawān, and the expansion of Islamic civilisation to the Atlantic.

About the Author

Agha Ali Ibrahim Akram (1923–1989), known as A. I. Akram, was a Lieutenant-General in the Pakistan Army and a distinguished historian of early Islamic conquests. After retiring from military service, he served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain and later founded the Institute of Regional Studies.

To produce this series, he mastered Arabic, Persian, and Spanish, consulted classical sources, and personally visited historical battlefields—bringing a level of authenticity and analysis rarely matched. His works have been widely translated and studied, including in military institutions.

Key Features of the 2026 Editions

• Fully revised and high-quality hardback prints
• Updated maps and improved production standards
• Based on primary classical sources such as Ibn Hisham, al-Tabari, al-Baladhuri, and others
• Includes additional appendices and scholarly analysis (Volume 1)
• Complete and unabridged texts

A Definitive Work on Early Islamic History

This series is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Islamic history, military strategy, and the remarkable individuals who shaped the early expansion of Islam. It stands as both a historical record and a tribute to a transformative era.