Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet Paperback – January 1, 2001

It's been awhile since I read this book, but I must say that it is clear and concise, and informative. I think everyone should read this book, maybe George Bush should be sent a copy (does he read?)It's imperative to have understanding about the Story of Mohammed, after all, we know he existed, we have no proof that Christ did.It is simply amazing what Mohammed managed to do to create stability where there was the possibility for factions by the score to develop. Bad enough we must deal with two factions at this time, (and Karen explains where this originated) But we have Mohammed to thank for the fact there are 'only' two.It could be worse!I was glad to see, too, that Karen put the connection together in this book about the Ismael the first son of Abraham, (with the maid servant of Sarah) and Mohammed connection . I was sure there was a connection. It's in this book!Insight, and education, makes such a huge difference in our perspectives. Karen is a prolific writer who began this writing early in life for reasons explained in The Spiral Staircase. Another great book that helps us to understand the part the brain plays in spirituality. Go on to read, The Brain That Changes Itself. ( not an Armstrong book)

Karen Armstrong successfully captures the world in which Islam was born and the complexities of Muhammad, one of history's most important figures. She is particularly effective in showing how Muhammad's message, especially in the area of women's rights, was far more advanced than others of his time, including the attitudes of Christians and Jews of that era. Some of the reviewers are troubled because she is "sympathetic" toward Muhammad, which of course reflects their agenda. It is easier to hate others when you can vilify their heroes, harder when you take a moment to look at them with a fair eye. Muhammad saw himself as the last of the Biblical prophets, and indeed lived in a world the prophets would have been familiar with. Comparing his life to that of Biblical heroes such as Moses, Joshua, David and others is instructive. Muhammad exceeded the moral standards of not only his world, but that of these biblical figures. Had Muhammad been born a few centuries earlier, he would undoubtedly have been part of the canon of Jewish and Christian prophets, as his life and actions are parallel to Moses, Joshua, Elijah etc. That is why he is so disturbing for some Westerners -- we have been taught to vilify him, but the truth is in him we see ourselves.

Karen Armstrongs book about the life of Muhammed - founder of Islam - is an impressive scholarly accomplishment to cover this prophet's life story in a format that is not only very enlightening for anybody searching a deeper look into the origin and early history of Islam and a culture Western civilization had plenty of struggles with but also manages to do this with remarkable respect and understanding. It sure helped me understand the roots of this last world religion and its true intention and impact - very worthwhile read!!!

I bought Armstrong's book about Muhammad in 2003, after reading her short book about the history of Islam. I liked that book, as it covered the main topics about Islam quite well, so I thought I would enjoy reading her previous, longer book about the founder of that religion: Muhammad - A biography of the Prophet.In Muhammad Armstrong paints a loving and sympathetic picture of the man who created the world's second largest religion (soon probably to become the first largest). The prophet is described as a gentle and caring person who possessed charismatic skills and spiritual deepness, that succeeded to transform Arabia from pagan belief to monotheistic belief in a remarkably short period of time. Armstrong depicts Muhammad in glowing colours, even when she admits his wrongdoings. In the 8th chapter, "Holy War", Armstrong recounts the massacre and summary executions of the Jewish community in Qurayzah and apologetically describes them as "a reminder of the desparate conditions of Arabia during Muhammad's lifetime" (p. 208). She continually reminds the reader that the word "Islam" means peace and reconciliation, but some of the events described in the book (and the atrocities committed in the name of Islam in our times) leave us wondering about the application of these virtues by Muslims throughout history.Prof. Emanual Sivan, one of Israel's leading historians of Islam, wrote a review about Muhammad in Ha'aretz. He described Armstrong's book as "history soaked in rose water" and claims that the author shed all sense of criticism before writing the book and failed in distinguishing between historical facts and myths which evolved long after Muhammad died. I am no expert of Islam, but I tend to agree; I feel I know more about the life of Muhammad now, but I am left with a sense of an unbalanced view of this great man.There was one observation in the book which I liked very much. When she starts describing Muhammad's rising success as a skilled and respected politician, Armstrong mentions that the Christian world has always judged this part of the prophet's life with distrust. The Western view has traditionally seen Muhammad's political success as proof that he was an impostor using religion as a means to power. To explain this attitude, Armstrong offers the following insight:Because the Christian world is dominated by the image of the crucified Jesus, who said that his kingdom was not of this world, we tend to see failure and humiliation as the hallmark of a religious leader. We do not expect our spiritual heroes to achieve a dazzling success in mundane terms. (p. 164)

I have found her impartial. She has presented query from western perspective as well as Islamic perspective. She has presented her work in such a way that it brings out readers prejudice and threaten their misconceptions and assumptions regarding Mohammed and Islam. I have found her work very analytical and not lacking any sophistication.This book can bring out prejudice and preconceived ideas that people have developed over the ages living in western world viewing Islam through that lenses.It is how we view a glass half full or half empty. We are looking at same book and presenting different views as we see it.