The book offers a balanced and nuanced portrayal of the Prophet Muhammad's life, challenging both Western misconceptions and traditional Islamic hagiography. It highlights his role as a mediator, his interactions with women, and his Jewish background, though some may find it overly secularized.
Mohamad Jebara's biography of the Prophet Muhammad aims to present a balanced view, steering clear of both the demonization by Western writers and the idealization by Islamic scholars. The book emphasizes Muhammad's role as a mediator and his interactions with women, portraying him as a practical businessman who sought to bring about change in a stagnant society. It also highlights his Jewish background, suggesting a more positive and significant role of Jews in his life than commonly acknowledged. However, critics might argue that the book is selective and overly secularized, downplaying certain aspects of the Prophet's life and teachings. Despite these criticisms, the book offers a fresh perspective that could alter Western views of Muhammad and potentially influence the Islamic world if widely disseminated.
Quick quotes
Jebara argues that Muhammad regarded the Arabian society of his day as one suffering from ‘willful stagnation’.
Jebara gives special emphasis to the role of women in the Prophet’s thinking.
Critics may find Jebara’s book selective and unduly secularised.