By Martin Ling. A revised edition of the internationally acclaimed biography of the Prophet, this volume includes important additions about the Prophet’s spread of Islam into Syria and its neighboring states. Contains original English translations from 8th and 9th century biographers. Martin Lings’ biography of Muhammad is an internationally acclaimed, comprehensive, and authoritative account of the life of the Prophet. Based on the Seerah, and 8th and 9th century Arabic biographies on the Prophet’s life, it contains original English translations of many important passages that reveal the words of men and women who heard Muhammad speak and witnessed the events of his life. Published in 12 languages, award winning and acknowledged as best biography of the Prophet in English at the National Seerate Conference in Islamabad. Inner Traditions (2006), English, Paperback, Pages: 384.
“This work is widely recognized as the most readable account of the life of the Prophet to date.” (Times of London )
"Lings provides a wealth of detail on the life of Muhammad, the time and place of many Koranic revelations, and the foundation of Islam, all based exclusively on 8th- and 9th-century Arabic biographical sources and collections of the sayings attributed to Muhammad. General readers will find a well-written, straightforward chronological narrative; Muslim readers will appreciate the favorable treatment of Muhammad; while specialists will find a faithful and convenient rendering of source material." (Joseph Gardner, California State Univ. Lib., Northridge Library Journal )
“For those interested in Islam . . . it is mesmerizing.” (Parabola )
About the author: Martin Lings (1909-2005) was a renowned British scholar with degrees in English and Arabic from London University and Oxford University. At Oxford, he studied English under C. S. Lewis, who later became a close friend. Lings taught at several European universities and the University of Cairo and served as the keeper of Oriental manuscripts for the British Museum and the British Library. His friendship and similar beliefs with philosophers René Guénon and Frithjof Schuon inspired Lings to convert to Islam. He went on to become an influential member of Western Muslim society, participating in several international Islamic councils and conferences, including acting as consultant to the World of Islam Festival Trust. He is the author of twelve books on religion and spirituality.
