Muhammad's memory, example and name are universally revered by Muslims, for whom he represents the highest human ideal. The Salman Rushdie affair, with the call for Rushdie's execution, has alerted non-Muslims to Muhammad's continuing significance in Muslim life, and in the faith and practice of Islam. This book argues that the historic reconstruction of Muhammad's biography does not explain why he has remained so important in the life of Muslims. Clinton Bennett asserts that Muslims were not upset by Rushdie's treatment of Muhammad because he was an important person in the 17th century, but because he remains an important force in their lives today. He goes on to explore different understandings of Muhammad: what what is known about the Muhammad of history by Muslims and non-Muslims; what is known about the Muhammad of faith by Muslims and non-Muslims; and what similarities and differences arise as a result of these starting points?
Author Biography
Clinton Bennett teaches Religious Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz, and at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA.
