Elsa Marston
children's author

Islam, one of the world's great religions, is constantly in the news these days. Like Christianity, it was started by a prophet of tremendous personal power . . . but what do we know about the Prophet Muhammad? This historical biography, based on reports of Muhammad's life that go back to his time in the seventh century A.D., presents his life and accomplishments as accurately and objectively as possible.

One of the most remarkable things about Muhammad's career was the way he took on so many different roles. Orphaned and poor at an early age, he became a trusted merchant in his twenties. A devoted husband and father, at the age of forty he found a new role thrust upon him: a prophet, with the mission of bringing people to the true faith in one God--the God of the Jewish and Christian scriptures. From then on, Muhammad had to excel as a preacher, the founder of a new kind of community, and even a military leader. How Muhammad endured persecution by the rulers of his home city of Mecca, how he and his followers fled to a safe place, and how he managed to overcome his enemies' resistance--all this makes a dramatic and inspiring story.

To understand Islam as a faith and as a powerful force in the world today, we must understand the role of the Prophet Muhammad, his vision, and his continuing importance in Muslims' lives. Concise, balanced, and easily readable, this book provides an introduction to Islam suitable for readers from about age 10 to adult.

With illustrations that respect Muslims' beliefs about portrayal of the Prophet, the book includes a glossary and chronology, and is available in hard cover and paperback. It can be ordered from your usual book supplier, or direct from the publisher at 1-800-621-1115.


SOME QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT . . . .

Why do you think Muhammad did not claim to be divine?

If you had lived in Mecca, how do you think you would have responded to Muhammad's message?

In Medina, Muhammad had his followers carry out raids on the Meccans' caravans. Do you think this was "right"? Was it a good plan?

Do poets--or other writers--in our society have a role anything like what they had in Muhammad's time? Why do you think so?

How do you feel about learning that Muhammad was like ordinary people in many ways?