In Search of Muhammad (Cassell theological studies) (Hardcover)

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Key Phrases: active intellect, miracle hadith, hadith criticism, Abu Bakr, Non-Muslim Lives, Ibn Ishaq (more...)

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From Publishers Weekly

How much can we know of the life of Muhammad? Of the sources we possess, how many offer historically accurate portraits of the prophet? In this ambitious study, Bennett, who teaches theology at Westminster College, Oxford, tries to answer these and other questions. Bennett divides Muhammad's life into three periods: from his birth to his experiences of revelation (A.D. 570-610); the period between the revelation and his pilgrimage (hejira) from Mecca to Medina (610- 622); his ascent to power in Medina to his death (622-632). Very little is known of the early periods of Muhammad's life, but there is a good deal of biographical material from the later years, in part, says Bennett, because there were more witnesses to Muhammad's life and work. In part one, Bennett examines and evaluates biographical sources. He notes that there exist early collections of sayings attributed to the prophet that offer some insight into Muhammad's life, but that the earliest complete biography of Muhammad comes from the hand of Ibn Ishaq almost 100 years after Muhammad's death. Part two surveys the non-Muslim lives of Muhammad written between the seventh and 20th centuries. In part three, Bennett uses conversations with contemporary Muslims as he explores the significance for them of Muhammad's life and work. It all adds up to an accessible and thorough glimpse into the identity of Muhammad.

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Muhammad's memory, example and name are universally revered by Muslims, for whom he represents the highest human ideal. The Salman Rushdie affair, with the call for Rushdie's execution, has alerted non-Muslims to Muhammad's continuing significance in Muslim life, and in the faith and practice of Islam. This book argues that the historic reconstruction of Muhammad's biography does not explain why he has remained so important in the life of Muslims. Clinton Bennett asserts that Muslims were not upset by Rushdie's treatment of Muhammad because he was an important person in the 17th century, but because he remains an important force in their lives today. He goes on to explore different understandings of Muhammad: what what is known about the Muhammad of history by Muslims and non-Muslims; what is known about the Muhammad of faith by Muslims and non-Muslims; and what similarities and differences arise as a result of these starting points?

Product Details

• Hardcover: 276 pages
• Publisher: Cassell; First Edition edition (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304337005
• ISBN-13: 978-0304337002
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,597,749 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars By far one of the best..., September 21, 2001

By	A. Ort "aorto" (Youngstown, Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: In Search of Muhammad (Cassell theological studies) (Paperback)

...books regarding understanding Muhammad from a more Western (or Christian) point of view. Mr. Bennett is honest, sympathetic and drawn to Muhammad. The inclusion of his personal views actually adds depth to the book. He is not an 'orientalist' nor an 'apologeticist' nor is he a 'polemicist'. He is seeking an honest, objective view of who he was and who he is. His is one of the more honest and overly objective books I have encountered on the subject. He is drawn to Muhammad.

This can be used as both a criticism and a high compliment. The honesty with which he approaches the subject matter radiates and leaves the reader listening not to the intentions of the author but to the actual text and what is being said. Oftentimes books about Muhammad are so overly hostile that any objectivity flies out the window. On the flip side books on Muhammad often border on deifying him and objectivity is thus also lost.

Mr. Bennett's assessment of the sources reveals what can and can not be known and shows the diversity of how Muhammad is seen and understood. There is no monolithic Islam and there is no monolithic understanding of Muhammad. To an extent, Muhammad is almost (emphasis: almost) as mythic as the founders of other religions.

Reading this book will open the reader's eyes to a more educated approach to understanding the enduring appeal of Muhammad in the hearts of believers and the impact of Muhammad still felt on the world. The reader will come to know that what we so often hear about Muhammad is often either wrong, distorted or might even be rendered as mere folk tale (or, in today's jargon, an urban legend).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fair account of evidence for a biography of Muhammad, February 26, 2002

By	P. Nagy "revreader" (Chapel Hill, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: In Search of Muhammad (Cassell theological studies) (Paperback)

In Search of Muhammad by Clinton Bennett (Cassell) a survey of evidence for a biography of Muhammad that also provides some recognition of the pious dimensions of the meaning of the Prophet in Islamic thought. As an academic inquiry into both the Mohammad of Faith and of history this work provides an introductory account principal documents and traditions from which to draw an historical account of Muhammad. Bennett offers an orientation to the evidence that is usually either assumed or not discussed in traditional and popular accounts of the life of the Prophet. As an introduction to the critical study of what is involved in the biography of Muhammad, this work offers both respect for faith and tradition as well as a critical and fair account of the many critical views about of Muhammad emerging from academic study of social and religious formation of Islam and creation of the Qur'an as a scripture. In Search of Muhammad is a better than average introduction to the field and is useful as a guide to current literature and major themes of study.