The Life and Work of Muhammad (Critical Lives) [Paperback]

Yahiya Emerick (Author), Yahiya J. Emerick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 8, 2002

The Critical Lives series takes a biographical look at pivotal, fascinating people and a critical look at the work and accomplishments that, rightly or wrongly, made them unique, influential, and enduring. Discover the events that shaped their lives and how they came to shape our worldMuhammad was a religious visionary and political leader. Raised in the harsh Arabian Peninsula and orphaned while still a child, this unlikely leader and military genius received a calling to transform his society from a collection of raiding tribes into one of the world's most progressive societies. His message of monotheism and righteousness motivated an entire people to abandon idolatry and spread the word of God to surrounding nations. Although he was a military genius, his greatest accomplishments came from the religion he preached: Islam, which called its adherents to lead a life of prayer, charity, and contemplation. The second largest religion in the world, both Islam's prophet and its values are today often misunderstood by adherents and outsiders alike.This concise, informative biography explores: * Muhammad's background and boyhood, as well as the culture and society in which he lived * A look at Muhammad as a family man, and how his personal life was a testament to his high regard for women * Muhammad's mission as a prophet and his new religion's philosophy on topics ranging from monotheism to interfaith relations * The Qur'an and how it was revealed, how Muslims view it in their religious life, and the concept of Jihad from Muhammad's perspective

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 1st edition (April 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028643712
• ISBN-13: 978-0028643717
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #548,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam > Muhammed
  • #100 in Books > History > Middle East > Saudi Arabia

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost perfect - Powerful biography of the Final Prophet (PBUH), March 8, 2007

By 

methodical~critic "hawkeye" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life and Work of Muhammad (Critical Lives) (Paperback)

Yahya Emerick has written a masterful and gripping account of the incredible life led by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His ability to keep the reader interested at all times is the key to this book. He keeps matters simple yet accurate without getting lost in the overwhelming topic literature that exists out there. Just like another reviewer mentioned earlier I too felt like I was right there with the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions. The tone and the content are consistent and give a fair, balanced view of the background that led to many events. A classic example of the author's writing ability is displayed in the inspiring and almost poetic narration of Al-Miraj and Al-Isra. The book also maintains its balance while educating the reader regarding the Prophet's personal, spiritual, political and uniquely influential life.

The only section of the book that deviates from this incredible uniformity stretches roughly from page 154-160. The content here regarding the prelude to the Battle of Badr (missed attempts at attacking Abu Sufyan's loaded Meccan caravan) and the Prophet's actions is rather questionable in light of the authentic material available on the matter. This very small but crucial part of the book seems out of place as it ascribes actions far less than prophetic to one (the Prophet) who had such a close relationship with God and His angel Gabriel.

Overall this is the finest account of the Prophet's life that I've read so far; far more interesting than Martin Lings' book and far superior to the book from Karen Armstrong. Highly recommended.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best, July 24, 2006

By 

STZ - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Life and Work of Muhammad (Critical Lives) (Paperback)

I have Martin Ling's book too but whenever I open and try to read it, I get bored and quickly put it aside. But the moment I opened this one, I just had to read it to end. There is something about the way he writes. It is very simple and very magnetic. It is a great book for those who do not know and a good refresher for those who already know. It takes you from the 21 century and put you right there in the seventh century. The other good thing about it is it connects some Quran's verses with the historical context and circumstance of its revelations. And that clarifies where, how, and under what condition some verses of Quran were revealed. I highly recommend this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Muhammad (Critical Lives), March 13, 2007

By 

M. Diab (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Life and Work of Muhammad (Critical Lives) (Paperback)

Beautifully written in a story like formate, which was easy to follow and visualize. I would highly recommend to all readers interested in this topic!