By Muhammad Hussain

The Story of Muhammad book by Lesley Hazleton “The First Muslim” is a biography of the Prophet Muhammad, exploring his life, teachings, actions, and the origins of Islam. The book provides a nuanced and balanced portrayal of Muhammad, separating fact from myth and legend.

The book is divided into three parts, covering Prophet Muhammad’s orphanage, his prophethood, and the post-migration. Moreover, it also includes Prophet Muhammad’s humanity, the value of social justice, and the emphasis on the role of women.

Firstly, in orphan age: this period focuses on his early life challenges and prosperities that he had faced. As the book references; Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca around 570 CE. At an early age, under the nurse of a mountainous woman ‘bedoin woman’, named Haleema; Prophet got his first divine surgery, became the best shepherd so on. Later, Prophet (pbuh) was raised by his uncle Abu Talib.

Secondly, the prophethood; occurred at forty years of age (period ) when Prophet (pbuh) had to preach and guide his own family and tribe. The history evidences that this period of his life was the toughest. Such as having stoned in Taif, to everyone’s suprise Prophet (pbuh) continued his journey undetered. This is where despite being in obstacles, still did not leave his assigned work here, as Muhammad (pbuh) met with resistance and persecution from the Meccan elites, who brought a threat to his way of life and his followers.

Thirdly, the Post migration: This is after the hijra period occurred in 622 CE. Hijra generally means the migration to Medina. This was the most significant period from the rest where the establishment of the Muslim community, treaties agreed upon and refused among Madinan, battle, and others too. Leadership role Muhammad (pbuh) could play: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) created peace, unity, and arbitrary acts among people. As book references, Muhammad (pbuh) became not only a spiritual leader, and also a politician, a military leader and a guide who would guide the community through different events of times of war and peace, in Medina and in Makkah also.

Key Points:

Humanity:

Here the book highlights Prophet’s way of respective acts with people. It shows his qualitative and behavioral communication of him. Moreover, the way of all his other humanities duration of his life learning acts includes.

The Valuing of Social Justice:

Prophet’s message emphasized social justice and equality. He always desired to have rights, standards, and reputations, which were a stupendous notion in the 7th century in Arabic countries. These are what the book focuses on the historical era of Islam.

The Role of Women:

The book insights into the crucial roles played by key women in early Islam. Including various women, but Hazrat Khadija; Muhammad’s first wife and being the first woman to embrace Islam, supported and helped Muhammad (pbuh) spread Islam. The book also discusses the important role played by Hazrat Ayesha.

Hence, overall ” The First Muslim” provides a comprehensive and engaging biography of the prophet Muhammad, offering a view of the origin of Islam, and the leadership, political, and religious life of Prophet (pbuh).

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