Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet

Description

Muhammad was born in 570 C.E., and over the next sixty years, he established a vibrant spiritual community and laid the groundwork for a religion that would profoundly shape world history. While there’s more historical information about Muhammad than about the founders of any other major faith, his story is often misunderstood, especially in the West.

Karen Armstrong, a respected expert on religion and spirituality, provides a nuanced portrait of Muhammad. By comparing him to other prophets and mystics, she sheds light on his spiritual ideas. Armstrong uses the facts of Muhammad’s life—long revered by Muslims—to make the principles of Islam clear and accessible for today’s readers of all backgrounds. Her detailed and engaging biography removes centuries of myth and distortion to reveal the real person behind the religion.

Karen Armstrong, a bestselling author and prominent scholar, is a leading voice in the discussion of religious history and culture. After 9/11, she became a vital advocate for understanding among the world’s major faiths. Her notable works include Buddha: A Biography, The Battle for God, Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet, and Islam: A Short History.

“The Economist” praises Armstrong’s work for being “respectful without being reverential, knowledgeable without being pedantic, and, above all, readable.” Her portrayal of Muhammad brings him to life as a fully rounded human being.