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Nancy's Reviews > Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet

Muhammad by Karen Armstrong
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really liked it

I've been on a quest to read more about Islam, (so I will not be an absolute ignoramus about it, as Americans are often accused of being.). I've read a few books on the topic, but this is the first one I can honestly recommend. Karen Armstrong has not written a page-turner with this biography of Muhammad - in fact, I brought it with me for a long plane-flight, figuring only total boredom would force me to read it. But she has written a powerful biography that not only details Muhammad's long and very interesting career, it also reveals his beating heart, his absolute sincerity, and his humanity in both its frailty and its spiritual strength. I was genuinely touched by what I learned of Muhammad's spiritual visions, his kindness, his integrity, and especially his relationships with women. And, oh yes, I definitely did improve my knowledge of Islam, which Armstrong is able to unpack with great skill.

It IS a bit tedious to plow through in places. But truly: if you want to understand the spiritual core of Islam - not the Islam that has been co-opted by terrorists - this is a great place to start.
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Reading Progress

Started Reading
November 21, 2010 – Shelved
November 21, 2010 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-29 of 29 (29 new)

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Rahell Omer hello there! thanks for your honest review. I am flying of joy. It is people like you that we -muslims- have trust and faith in. Thanks!


Nancy That is so kind of you. This book really did touch my heart.


message 3: by Aeishah (new)

Aeishah Great review Nancy. Thanks!


message 4: by Aeishah (new)

Aeishah Great review Nancy. Thanks!


message 5: by Aeishah (new)

Aeishah Great review Nancy. Thanks!


Nancy Thank you, Aeishah! It troubles me how little the typical Christian knows about Islam; I would particularly like to see novels that took Muslim spirituality seriously (without it being a political thing.)


message 7: by Aeishah (new)

Aeishah I see. How about Sufism? Have you read about that?


Nancy Well, l am not talking specifically about mysticism, although l would also find that interesting; l am thinking more about spirituality in the sense of the ordinary person's inner spiritual life. But l have read a lot of Christian mysticism, so naturally l would enjoy reading about Sufism as well.


message 9: by Sofia (new) - added it

Sofia Nancy you may enjoy Elif Shafak's forty rules of love, if you're interested in a novel revolving around Muslim spirituality/mysticism. It's one of my all time favourites.


Nancy Thanks! Will add to my TBR list!


message 11: by Noha (new)

Noha Thank you Nancy for your review:)


Nancy I enjoyed it...alwats great to gain new insights. With the ugly anti-Muslim backlash going on now, l think it's time for me to read more...my heart is sore imagining how it must feel to be a Muslum American right now. :(


message 13: by Evan (new) - added it

Evan I love "I figured only long and total boredom would make me read it"


message 14: by Zie (new) - added it

Zie Ifty You all brought tears in my eyes,,the reviews


Nancy Thank you, Zie. Have a wonderful 2016.


message 16: by Aljanobi (new) - added it

Aljanobi May Allah guide you all to the best in this life and in the Hereafter. Islam is the religion of peace., but we have suffered of mercenaries who kill in the name of religion, while Islam is innocent from them.


Nancy Thank you for your kind wishes. Yes, all faiths can be hijacked by people who want to use God for their own purposes...it is a tragedy when that happens, because sincere believers always seem to pay the price.


message 18: by Sana (new) - rated it 5 stars

Sana Fahad Great review Nancy .As a muslim woman I m really thankful to u for ur honest review.Stay Bless


message 19: by Muhammad (new) - added it

Muhammad Faheem Nancy keep it up... you may find the right path through this quest... lucky you


Memomostafa74yahoo.Com Ihope you read more about ISlam and the great prophet mouhamad. God helps you to find the truth


message 21: by Sami (last edited Jul 03, 2016 06:48AM) (new)

Sami Choudhury Nice review. It's a very good book on this subject. Karen was very neutral and wonderfully wrote the book. It's nice to know that you are trying to know about Islam and Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). I wish your journey a peaceful one. Very best of luck. :)

In addition, if you don't mind, I may suggest you one more book on the life of Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). The Sealed Necter: The Biography of Prophet Muhammad.

In 1988 the author got a first prize among other hundreds of manuscripts for this book. It's the most authentic book I have ever read on the life of Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). As you are on quest, I hope this book will help you to know more about Islam.

Thanks. :)


message 22: by Johan (new)

Johan Rehnstrom How many Islamic countries have democracy? How many Islamic countries have freedom for women. Which Islamic country is on the top of economic freedom? In which countries is female mutilation used very often? Give me some examples of scientific break through sin Islamic countries.


message 23: by Johan (new)

Johan Rehnstrom Oh yes,forgot one thing. What is the view on gays and lesbians in Islamic countries? Can someone please enlighten (pun intended) me.


message 24: by Soofia (new)

Soofia Khatoon wonderful comment. I also felt like you.


message 25: by Soofia (new)

Soofia Khatoon Nancy I am moved by your comments. We as muslims now suffer from misunderstanding and hatred from other people, our souls suffer from constant pain. Your understanding made us very happy.


message 26: by Imad (new) - added it

Imad Salih well said , impressed me actually


message 27: by Mohamed (new) - added it

Mohamed Yassin wow


Judy (Taylors Version) I am a muslim myself, I am just shocked by the way people treat us. Some call us terrorists but deep down in our heart, we want to stay away from the bad and get closer to Allah!


message 29: by Yakubu (new) - added it

Yakubu Mohammed This is great. It further confirms the fact if one wants to know Islam, one shouldn't rely on the media.


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