This book deals with the relationship between the Islamic clergy, or ulema, and the Durrani monarch Amanullah who ruled in Afghanistan from 1919 to 1929. The author characterizes Amanullah as a devout Muslim who repelled British influence in Afghanistan and espoused a far-reaching modernization agenda for the country. The narrative is designed to explain why Amanullah lost the support of the ulema who initially backed his reforms but then led a rebellion that ended his reign. He argues that high-ranking clergy in Kabul supported Amanullah and his policies, but lower-ranking clergy active in the tribal hinterland did not. Nawid brings new data to bear on a long-standing and prominent debate about Amanullah's ill-fated reform program.