Claude Cahen's 'Islam from Its Inception to the Rise of the Ottoman Sultanate' offers an insightful and meticulous examination of the formative centuries of Islamic civilization. This seminal work traces the multifaceted development of Islam, exploring its theological foundations, political expansions, and cultural flourishing from the Prophet Muhammad's era through the establishment of diverse caliphates and emirates, culminating just before the emergence of the powerful Ottoman Empire. Cahen provides a nuanced perspective on the social, economic, and intellectual transformations that shaped the Islamic world, making this an essential read for students and scholars of medieval Islamic history.