​The book titled The Heirs of the Prophet Muhammad: Islam’s First Century and the Origins of the Sunni-Shia Split by Barnaby Rogerson offers a detailed exploration of the formative years following the Prophet Muhammad's death. It delves into the political, religious, and personal dynamics that shaped early Islam and led to the enduring Sunni-Shia division.​

Rogerson's work chronicles the century following the Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE. It examines the lives and legacies of key figures such as the first four caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—as well as influential companions and generals. The narrative highlights the complexities of leadership succession, the expansion of the Islamic empire, and the ideological rifts that culminated in the Sunni-Shia split. The book is noted for its engaging storytelling and balanced perspective, making it accessible to both scholars and general readers.