Just over a sixth of the world's population subscribes to the Muslim belief that 'there is no god but God, and Muhammad is his Messenger'. Michael Cook gives an incisive account of the man who inspired this faith, drawing on the traditional Muslim sources to describe Muhammad's life and teaching. He also attempts to stand back from this traditional picture to question how far it is historically justified.

Reviews

“This very interesting, readable introduction should be of great value to beginners; the organization around the theme of monotheism is excellent.”--James E. McGoldrick, Cedarville College

“Brief, thoughtful, immensely readable; a perfect introduction to Islam.”--Professor Peter W. Fay, Caltech