A Biography of the Prophet of Islam : In the Light of the Original Sources An Analytical Study (2 Volumes)

Prophet Muhammad is beyond all doubt one of the most influential figures in world history, who brought the message of Islam, a religion with over one billion followers across the globe. The Prophet was a supremely successful man, but he was not just a great hero and leader. He preached a religion, founded a State, built a nation, laid down a moral code, initiated numerous social and political reforms, established a powerful and dynamic society to practice and represent his teachings and completely revolutionized the worlds of human thought and behavior for all times to come.

Muhammad, Messenger of Allah is the first English translation of Qadi Iyad’s definitive text ash-Shifa. For a thousand years this beautiful and majestic book has guided the Muslim community to a straight and balanced path in their beliefs and practices concerning the Messenger, blessings of Allah and peace be upon him, in particular and the risalah (the message) in general.

This book contains: The most comprehensive compilation of Quranic references about the Messenger, with Qadi Iyad’s authoritative commentary on them. A complete catalogue of the Messenger’s qualities and life-pattern received in a direct line of transmission by Qadi Iyad. A unique record of the salafi community of Madinah’s transactions with and behaviour towards the Messenger of Allah. The rights of the Messenger and the honour, obedience and protection due to him and his name from his followers, the Muslim community. Qadi Iyad (476 – 544 AH/1083 – 1149 CE) Abu’l-Qadl Iyad ibn Musa ibn Iyad al-Yahsubi, Qadi of Ceuta during the time of the Murabitun. He travelled to Andalus to study and in Cordoba he learnt from such luminaries as Ibn Rushd, the grandfather of the Qadi and philosopher of the same name. Iyad was already accepted in scholarly circles when he was eighteen and was appointed qadi when he was 35 becoming first the qadi of Ceuta in 515 AH/ 1121 CE and later Granada in Spain in 531 AH/ 1136 CE. He was exemplary in his knowledge of the sciences of hadith from which ocean he drew his astonishing work ash-Shifa. He also wrote the Foundations of Islam on fiqh, and Tartib al-Madarik on the luminaries of the school of Madina. He opposed Ibn Tumart’s claim to be the Mahdi and was exiled to Marrakech where he was murdered.

The Translator: Aisha Bewley Aisha Abdurrahman at Tarjumana Bewley is one of today’s most prolific translators of classical Arabic works into English. For more than thirty-five years she has been concerned with making the contents of many classical Arabic works more accessible to English-speaking readers. She is co-translator of The Noble Qur’an A New Rendering of its Meaning in English. Other works include Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik, The Meaning of Man, Mu’awiya – Restorer of the Muslim Faith, A Glossary of Islamic Terms, Islam: The Empowering of Women and Muslim Women, a Biographical Dictionary.

Knowledge of the Prophetic Seerah is incumbent upon every Muslim, whether young or old, male or female. This current book adds to those that have already been published on this great subject. It lays out the Prophetic biography in a clear and concise manner, relying on well-documented and authentic sources. The author paints a narrative of the important events during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, the patience demonstrated by the Prophet and his Companions through difficult times, without losing their faith in their Lord. These events touch the heart of the reader and draws them in.

This book offers the sacred impetus and methods of teaching and learning derived from the statements and model of the Prophet Muhammad, God’s peace be upon him. It behooves Muslim educators and teachers to study these essential principles and explore how they may be translated into methodologies that apply in today’s world.

Collectively, the precepts and recommendations of the gracious Prophet SAW show how vital he viewed learning and teaching.