The life and significance of a revolutionary thinker and prophet, who, like Moses and Jesus, claimed to be a messenger from God.
The book includes information regarding the way in which both Muslims and Westerners have viewed Muhammad, from his first appearance to today.
It is a fascinating look at 7th Century Arabia, where Muhammad, orphaned at birth, in a time and place when the classless had few prospects other than servitude and poverty, encountered many unusual opportunities that resulted in his entering the aristocratic class of Mecca, a hub of international trade. Rather than settling in to the comfortable life of a merchant, Muhammad had a vision of himself bringing the message of the one God to his idolatrous people.
The book discusses Muhammad's claim to prophethood - Muhammad's teachings, the first converts, the Muslim flight to Medina, Muhammad's battles, the eventual bloodless Muslim conquest of Mecca, Muhammad's political victory in the Arabian peninsula, and wars with Byzantium and Persia.
Finally the book deals with the death of Muhammad and the ways in which his message lived beyond him.
