The First Muslim: The Story of Muhammad

To understand prophet (sallalahu aliehi wassallam) u need to know that sira writers (biographers) are not taken as the authentic description of prohet mohammed (sallalahu aliehi wassalam)..to check the unbiased life version of prohet mohammed (sallalahualiehi wasallam) check SHIBLI NOMANI's "seeratun nabi"

This is a well written and throughly researched work. It gives a different insight in to the prophets life and tries to view him as a human being. Perhaps being agnostic helps her to do this, as the analysis is different and refreshing from what I have encountered. Like Ibn-Ishaq and Al-Tabari every one is a victim of bias patly influenced by the times and values they lived in and the audience they wright to, Lesley is not an exception. I feel Lesley's analysis has not diminished the prophets character but perhaps even elevated it. I recommend this book to anyone one as an interesting read.

An absolutely exceptional recount of the life and spirit of Prophet Muhammad. In this book Lesley Hazelton has achieved something that no other historian or religious scholar has done before her; she helps the reader experience the vibrancy, life, momentum and multifaceted aspects of Muhammad's story. The language echoes spirituality and invigorated me. She remains factual and largely unbiased in her retelling, mentioning the fantastical parts of the story in a way that emphasizes the ordinary. A stunning read!