Customer Reviews

Muhammad, Prophet of God

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We have been so quick to come up with descriptions of Islam when we know nothing about the religion or it's origins. Terrorists may make up a very radical sect of Islam, but most Moslems are anything but violent and rather put a very high value on human life. Dr. Peterson does a great job, and in an extremely concise and understandable manner, of letting the non-Muslim see the faith as it is and not as the headlines wish to paint Islam. This is a book we need more than we need to make people enemies, and after doing such use, use any horrible words we can think up to slur them.
Muslims are fine, wonderful people, they have their idiots as does any group. Thanks to Peterson for not letting the idiots on both sides, blind us.
For $12, buy it!

I found myself wishing I had known the Prophet; Professor Peterson presents a very human picture of Muhammad, his locale and times. His early history includes the known material, without additional speculation.
Because Peterson has also produced scholarly translations of classic Arabic texts, I was prepared for a dry or difficult text, however the author's style is warm and comfortable.
Clearly he enjoys his subject and people.
The separation between well documented events and those possibly or probably added by adherents at a later time is usually clear.
That Muhammad's teachings and more importantly his actions were magnanimous is repeatedly illustrated.
The history and examples of his relationships, and wars, with Jews and Christians was very revealing. He clearly saw them as 'believers', cousins if you will, to the thoughts and patterns of his heart.
What his followers did with those teachings after his death is only briefly recounted. This is not a study in Islamic thought and historical course, it is limited to Muhammad.
The Qur'an is the main reference quoted in the text.
I highly recommend this book, you will enjoy reading it and you will feel much better about Muhammad and Islam.

In this short biography of Muhammad, Dr. Peterson does a fantastic job of introducting and analyzing the last Prophet of Islam. His writing style is very vivid and clear which makes his narrative very easy to read. Having read this after finishing Ishaq's biography of the same figure, I found this to be a pleasant change of pace. There are a few places here or there which I thought the author could have been a bit more critical, but otherwise, it's excellent. I highly recommend this for the great many in the West who lack any knowledge of Islam or it's founder.

The prophet of Islam is as misunderstood by followers and students alike, in many of the ways that Jesus is misunderstood today. Jews, Christians and Muslims each have their foundational works, their subsequent traditions, commentaries and, at last, historians, theologians and disciples. Each has its factions; however, Islam is by far the most fervent, fanatical and, in these modern times, bloody. Still, there's the man who stands at Islam's door, shrouded in mystery and who left no successors. He was the "seal" (interpreted by many as "the last") of the prophets. But who is he? And what was his story? What did he say he saw, and what are the ramifications of his teachings to the millions who followed in the faith and the billions who didn't?

Dr. Daniel C. Peterson seeks to focus this mysterious "messenger" of Allah and separate the facts and the fiction, which, admittedly, all biographers attempt. Muslims may find a man somewhat different than the one they've been taught to revere, and non-Muslims may find "the prophet" to be a far cry from what they've read in history books, religious texts and, of course, the media.

This is a book I wish had been written years ago when I was seeking such a book. It's not only very well researched, it's a good read from someone with an honest passion for the man and the prophet. I'm buying two, one to lend out and one to keep in my library!

I have been thoroughly confused by the profusion of news reports about Islam and Muslims. So, I was delighted to find an easily readable history and explanation of the beginnings of the religion. I was familiar with other works by the same author and I felt that I could trust him to give a clear, respectful account.

With all the various opinions of Islam and its founder going around these days, this book served as a great introduction to the prophet. Objective in his approach, Dr. Petersen presented the life of the prophet and the enviroment surrounding him in a respectful and interesting manner. I gained a greater knowledge of and respect for the prophet after reading this book.

This compact but informative and even entertaining book makes three distinct contribution to understanding Muhammad's life and influence. First, Daniel Peterson's style is scholarly but very readable. He is well acquainted with his sources and evaluates their worth. He analyzes the founding story of Islam and its long-range impact in a way that illuminates Islamic thinking today. Second, he blends anecdotes with chronology, drawing penetrating pictures that clarify happenings and beliefs. Third, he aptly sets this narrative within the larger context of tribal lore and an Arabian poetic tradition that surrounded Muhammad as he received his revelations and developed a new society. He deals fairly with Muhammad and his contemporaries, respecting their distinctive beliefs while depicting the influence of Arabian culture on their actions and teachings. This is a volume aimed for general readers that draws us well into a complex and colorful world.

Daniel Peterson's biography of Muhammad is an ideal introduction to the life of this crucial figure in world history. This balanced biography provides insights into the foundations of Islam, and its impact on the Muslim world today. Highly recommended.

This book is truly a wonderful introduction into the life of Muhammad and the beginnings of Islam. It is well-written and concise, never going into any more detail than is needed for such an introduction. It is an excellent starting point for anyone just getting started in learning the history of Muhammad and Islam.

I, like most westerners, have a very shallow understanding of the story of Muhammad. I've read chapters of him in textbooks, and have picked up bits and pieces of his life and influence through various channels. I wanted to learn a bit more, so I picked up this book based on some recommendations.

Peterson has done a great job is this short biography explaining the background and major events in the life of Muhammad. He highlights the many strengths of this great man and puts what we westerners would consider weaknesses into the context of the times. It would be hard to find other leaders of the time that made such a positive impact on society. Peterson didn't highlight the aftermath of his life, but Muslim culture far outshone western culture for hundreds of years.

Is Muhammad a true prophet? Peterson rightly leaves that for others to answer. Was he an honest and sincere man? It appears that most scholars agree that he was.

I recommend this book for anyone seeking to understand more about Muhammad. I have a much clearer picture of his history now that I have read this book.