Muhammad: Prophet of Peace Amid the Clash of Empires

Beautifully written, "Muhammad, Prophet of Peace" is a brilliant and compelling work. The central focus of the book is on the teachings of Muhammad and the Qur’an, as well as on Muhammad’s life. The book is based most extensively on the text of the Qur’an, as a primary source, as well as an array of other sources, mostly in Arabic, English, French and German. Among the sources are references to the work of Roman historians, to St. Augustine, to medieval and modern-day scholars of Islam. The subject matter of the book is at the intersection of religion and history. One of the characteristics of the book that appeals most is not only its exceptional intellectual analysis, but also its very accessible writing. The book has the erudition of an academic treatise but reads like an interesting narrative. Professor Cole makes a compelling case that what Muhammad preached was peace. The work is situated within the geo-political context of the 6th and 7th century Middle East, and the competition between the Eastern Roman Empire and Sasanian Persia, initially led by Khosrow II. The comparisons and contrasts with other religions are among the fascinating aspects of the book. The central focus is on Muhammad’s teachings, with extensive references to Christianity and Judaism. Professor Cole’s study is equitable to all religions discussed. In an in-depth final part, he addresses the fact that the message of peace preached by Muhammad has been misappropriated in subsequent times and used to justify offensive warfare. Muhammad’s key teachings included “the prohibitions on coercion of conscience and on aggressive warfare.” The final part of the book addresses in depth the subsequent misappropriation at times, after Muhammad’s lifetime, of his teachings. Professor Cole analyzes both the “how” and “why” aspects of this issue, from the standpoint of theology and history. He also discusses other religions, originating in the Middle East and South Asia, whose peaceful message was, at times, subsequently misappropriated. The book explores what the Qur’an says about peace and war. Battle, according to the Qur’an, is a legitimate response to aggression, which the book indicates is similar to what St. Augustine stated about defensive warfare. Professor Cole also writes about passages that give insight into the Qur’an’s theory of social peace (from The Pilgrimage chapter in the Qur’an). According to this chapter of the Qur’an, when one people launches aggression, others must restrain them, in an effort to establish collective security (p. 148). Professor Cole explains the evolution of years of Roman discourse (especially 300s-400s CE) on breaches of peace. It is fascinating to find out how it had changed from when the Roman Empire had been pagan (at the time of Cicero) to when it adopted Christianity as the new religion. The book analyzes the Constitution of Medina in the early 620s, which was part of forging a social contract among the clans of Medina and delineating community relations. The constitution offers a vision of a non-doctrinal, religiously multicultural society based on communal loyalty, granting of security, and mechanisms for settling torts, which establishes obligations of non-belligerence in the city of the Prophet. The book’s readable and scholarly account of Muhammad’s message and the events which took place in the Middle East in the 6th and 7th century is compelling. Professor Cole critically examines sources, some of which, for example those alluding to war between Byzantium and clans in Arabia, are anachronistic (p. 182). He explains that this conflict occurred after the death of Muhammad, not during his lifetime. At times the book cites Christian theologians, such as St. Augustine as rendering an accurate analysis. At other times, Professor Cole points out that, as in the case of Bishop Sophronios, the latter’s statements are unsubstantiated by historical record. The book references at certain points biographers of Muhammad- but considers those in light of the Qur’an, and the rich array of historical and theological sources available. Very interesting in terms of geo-political context is that the later Roman Empire, under Herakleios, still had republican remnants, with the Senate as an important consultative body. This model, according to the book, which differed from the absolute monarchy of Khosrow II of Iran, may have been important for Muhammad’s views on the Roman Empire. Those views would have also been influenced by the Arab preference for the consultation between clan chiefs over centralized power (p. 134). Among the discussion of the rich array of events is a comprehensive explanation of the dynamics between Mecca and Medina, and of the Treaty of Hudaibiya (reconstructed from historical sources). There is also an account of Muhammad’s trips to Damascus and his interactions with other faiths; as well as his views on the Roman empire. The narrative of “Muhammad, Prophet of Peace Amid the Clash of Empires” has been written within the theological context of the teachings of Muhammad, and it draws parallels and contrasts with Christianity and Judaism. The narrative closely follows the life of the Prophet. Geopolitically, the events in the book are based within the context of the power struggle between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Sasanian Iranian Empire. The appendix contains the multiple verses on peace from the Qur’an that are relevant to the book. Overall, “Muhammad, Prophet of Peace Amid the Clash of Empires” is a brilliant book, which gives the reader fascinating insight into a complex era. It is written beautifully and contains compelling, expert analysis.

Professor Juan Cole has produced a masterpiece. His biography of the Prophet Muhammad is very different from all the other biographies of the prophet I have read. Basis for this biography is Quran, which Muslims believe is a book from God, revealed over 23 years after the first revelation to the prophet (570 – 632) He cites numerous verses from the Quran to prove his case that the prophet was the “man of the world” who “sought to revolutionize the spirituality of humankind” and that he “taught a form of salvific pluralism that include all the monotheistic tradition”. Professor Cole points out that “Quran was one of the first texts explicitly to imagine the category of multiple peer “world religions”. He explains Quran’s emphasis on piety and monotheism and concurs that the “monotheistic philosophy of Abraham suffices for salvation” citing “The [Muslim] believers, the Jews, the Christians, and the Sabians- all those who believe in God and the Last Day and do good- will have their rewards with their Lord. No fear for them, nor will they grieve.” Quran (2:62) Professor Cole points out several verses which prohibits compulsion of religion, citing many verses, among them “There can be no compulsion at all in religion” Quran (2:256) He details some of the conflicts at the time of the prophet and their reasons, mainly to fight against the “Coercion of Conscience” and limits and prohibitions in time of wars. Must read to understand the prophet of Islam. If you want to read Quran check out "Clear Quran by Dr. Mustafa Khattab".

This most recent book by Professor Juan Cole is thoroughly enjoyable, excellently researched, and well-written. I came at this book already familiar with, and deeply respectful of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. Yes, the Prophet Muhammad was a peace-maker...and he was a warrior. The Prophet Muhammad lived in 7th century Arabia, where the society and culture differed vastly from today's. It never ceases to amaze me that some (even some Amazon reviewers) judge Muhammad and his then followers by the standards of today. If one reads the 'Five Books of Moses', take notice of the extreme violence described. A distant time. I see little criticism of the 'Five Books of Moses' coming from those who are critical of the Prophet Muhammad. Nor do I see any abhorrence of Christian violence, or for that matter, violence committed in the name of any other religion. To me, Professor Cole's main point is Muhammad's peace-making and peaceful activities need to be highlighted, particularly now when there is such vitriol and prejudice directed at the Muslim community, and willful ignorance practiced about Islam. And, Juan Cole's colorfully descriptive writing style made this book eminently readable. It put me in 7th century Arabia, riding along with Muhammad and his followers. Excellent job, Professor Cole.

A new way of looking at the Prophet of Islam. Outstanding research.

Dr. Cole does a remarkable job on doing scholarly research, reporting teachings of the Quran that emphasize peace, and busting the myth that Quran teaches violence. Muhammad received hostility for 14 years before taking up arms to defend his people. However, Cole also draws conclusions which are not based on any historical evidence, such as his claims that Muhammad was well read, knew how to write, and was not illiterate. There are a number of other similar conclusions in the book which are only Cole's own thinking (or belief), showing a lack of familiarity with the life of Muhammad. It seems that after writing many arguments based on solid research, the author takes a break from valid references and resorts to drawing his own imagination which are not consistent with facts reported by Muslims or non-Muslims historians. Also, Muslim historians do not portray Muhammad a more military general than he was – not sure where Cole drew that conclusion from. Overall, the book receives 'B+' grade, which could have been an 'A' were it not for the unsubstantiated assertions. Do more homework, professor. But after reading the reviews by hate driven people will will not matter what facts are presented with will remain unchanged and keep calling a day as night and vice versa, I think book deserves 4 stars.

A telling of how a Prophet used simple acts to gain followers. A man who had so many rules against war and promoted forgiveness. It was simple teaching and equality, not war, that in 80 years led a small tribe into creating an Empire larger than tHe Roman Empire accompkished in 800 years.

Arabia was riven by the clashing empires of Rome and Persia. Muhammad built his stature primarily by offering a path away from endless conflict. Peace and conciliation were the heart of his message. Islam's militaristic reputation developed later when it was adopted by rising empires.

No other book gives you the understanding of the socio-political context of Islam and Prophet Muhammad as this book.

This is an excellent book, Juan Cole as an Historian provides evidence consistently from the Quran that Muhammad was peaceful, and that all wars were waged in self-defence. More over he also proves that the Quran respects Jews and Christians. These are just two of the many examples Juan Cole gives which are right below Surah The Cow verse 2:190 says “fight in the path of God those who enter into combat against you, but do not commit aggression. God does not love aggressors.” Surah The Cow Verse 2:62 Proclaims, Those who believed, and the Jews, ,and the Christians, and the Sabians, and whoever has believed in God and the Last Day and performed good works, they shall have their reward with their lord.

At first i did not like the book because i thought it was giving too much attention to the political situation of the arabia and the world. I felt like i was with a tour guide touring the area. I even thought of returning the book but decided to read it. But after first chapter it became interesting and focused more on the topic and justified the title. I am glad i finsihed it. Very well researched and enlightening book.

Received in good condition

Juan Cole, Professor of History at Michigan University in Ann Arbor, has suggested interesting theories about the overall peaceful intent of the Qur’an. In times of intensified Islamophobia not only in the US his revision of certain key surahs in the context of geopolitical events in the 7th century are most welcome. That the new faith should be spread by the sword, or through holy war, cannot be found in the Qur’an. Cole’s comprehensible approach is that he carefully re-reads the scripture but considers the prophet’s biography, al-Sira al-Nabawiyya, which had been formulated long after the unprecedented triumph of Islam and far-reaching conquests under the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs, as unreliable hagiography. Later Muslims had to paint the picture of an illiterate Prophet who was not even aware of the scriptures of the two other monotheistic religions in order to protect him from being accused of plagiarism. In contrast, Cole is right when he characterizes Muhammad, wealthy business woman Khadija’s husband, as highly skilled and educated international tradesman who frequently traveled with his caravans to the economic and cultural centers of Palestine and the Levant. Muhammad had heard, with horror, of Jerusalem’s fall to the Sasanian general Sharbaraz in 614, just after surah ar-Rum had been revealed. Numerous neologisms in the Qur’an prove that Muhammad mastered Aramaic as well as possibly Greek. He was well aware of then popular stories like the Alexander Romance as well as the tale of the Seven Sleepers. Both stories are referred to in surah 18 (al-Kahf). Cole interestingly interprets the conflict between Mecca and Medina as sort of a proxy war of the two main adversaries in the first half of the 7th century, the Byzantine and Sasanian Empires. It becomes clear that Mecca (Sasanian sphere of influence) was the aggressor while Muhammad was able to capture Mecca in 630 without any bloodshed. The unholy blending of what can be found in the Qur’an and highly unreliable ahadith (the traditions of the Prophet) and sira in later centuries has done lots of damage to the religion of Islam. Umayyad and Abbasid violent conquests and civil wars may remind us of another Islamic tradition, the Shi’a. The members of the Prophet’s family, the descendants of his cousin Ali and daughter Fatimah, had been subject for centuries of persecution. The Shi’a Imams had always claimed to be the rightous spiritual (and political) successors of the Prophet, having access to and being able to interpret the divine law. They were decidedly pious and defensive and all were martyred by Umayyad or Abbasid usurpers. Cole does not entertain this interesting aspect of an entirely peaceful Islam in his book.

Brilliant book