Muhammad by Tariq Ramadan is an engaging and enlightening look into the life of the prophet Muhammad. It is split into three main sections which cover his life, his message, and his legacy. The book examines Muhammad’s life in chronological order, beginning with his birth and formation of his character and his interactions with his family, ending with his death. It also looks at the principles and beliefs that make up his teachings, such as justice, mercy, equality, and freedom. Finally, it discusses how Muhammad was remembered and what his legacy was.
Chapter 1: Muhammad’s birth and early life
This chapter covers Muhammad’s birth in Mecca in the year 570 C.E., his childhood, and his adolescence. It reveals that he was an orphan raised by his uncle, and that he was known for his intelligence, courage, and strong character. It also shows how he was well respected by the people of Mecca and his strong relationship with them. As an example, the chapter tells the story of how the merchants of Mecca consulted Muhammad on one of their business deals as the most trustworthy and wise man in the city.
Chapter 2: Muhammad’s mission
The second chapter starts with Muhammad’s call to prophethood and his message. It covers the five core principles of his teaching - monotheism, justice, mercy, social and economic equality, and freedom. It explains what these principles mean and how they connected to the Prophet’s understanding of divine will. It also shows how Muhammad responded to the pressure from Mecca to stop teaching and how his message was received. For instance, one example is when Muhammad was harassed by some Meccans who threw garbage at him during one of his speeches. He chose to remain patient and unfold his teachings from that moment on.
Chapter 3: Muhammad's Legacy
The third and final chapter looks at how Muhammad was remembered and the legacy he left behind. It opens with a discussion of his death and the impact it had on the Islamic world, touching on how it united the pagan tribes of Arabia and caused the emergence of Muslim dynasties. It also examines his impact on later generations of Muslims and how his teachings and actions have informed modern culture. As an example, it looks at the impact of the Prophet on the idea of education, focusing especially on his holistic understanding of a complete education, which included physical, spiritual, and intellectual aspects.
In conclusion, Muhammad by Tariq Ramadan provides an expansive and thorough look into the life and legacy of the Prophet. It examines both his life and teachings, including his beliefs, his message, and the impact he had on later generations. It is a valuable read for anyone looking to understand and appreciate the Prophet’s life and work.
