Muhammad: Prophet and Statesman

Description

The founder of Islam through Western eyes. Preface. I. THE GIFTED ORPHAN: The rivalry of the great powers. Life in a commercial centre. II. THE CALL TO PROPHETHOOD: ‘Rise and warn’. The earliest message of the Qur’an. The first Muslims. The influence of Judaism and Christianity. The social relevance of the new religious ideas. III. OPPOSITION AND REJECTION: In the house of al-Arqam. The incident of the ‘satanic verses’. The migration to Abyssinia. The intellectual argument. The boycott of the clan of Hashim. The betrayal by Abu-Lahab. IV. THE EMIGRATION TO MEDINA: The appeal from the Medinans. The troubles of Medina. The Hijrah. The first months in Medina. V. THE PROVOCATION OF THE MECCANS: The first expeditions or razzias. The first bloodshed. The break with the Jews. The battle of Badr. The significance of Badr. VI. THE FAILURE OF THE MECCAN RIPOSTE: Consolidation at Medina; the expulsion of Qaynuqa’. The expeditions of 624 after Badr; Meccan preparations. The battle of Uhud. The aftermath of Uhud. The second expulsion of Jews. Reforms of marriage and inheritance. The expeditions of 626. The siege of Medina. The execution of the Jews of Qurayzah. VII. THE WINNING OF THE MECCANS: New horizons. The expedition and treaty of al-Hudaybiyah. The conquest of Khaybar. Increasing strength. Mecca in decline. The submission of Mecca. The battle of Hunayn. The consolidation of victory. VIII. RULER IN ARABIA: The position after Hunayn. The eclipse of Persia and its consequences. The drive to the north. The extent of Muhammad’s power. The last months. IX. ASSESSMENT: Appearance and manner. The alleged moral failures. The foundations of greatness. Was Muhammad a prophet? NOTES ON THE SOURCES. NOTE ON BIBLIOGRAPHY. INDEX. LIST OF MAPS. Pre-Islamic Arabia (showing trade routes). The Oasis of Medina.