Mohammed (570-632), the founder of Islam, was born at Mecca - now the spiritual centre of that religion. Orphaned, and with a humble childhood, he showed few signs of the inspiration that would lead him to be so great a Prophet. Indeed, it was not until his fortieth year that he received his first Divine Communication, while in meditation upon Mount Hera. Thereafter, through his zeal and faith, and despite many tribulations, the foundations of Islam were laid. It has been argued by some that Mohammed founded a totalitarian State, but it was implicit in his doctrine that, as Allah was a universal ruler, all life was subject to his rule through the Prophet who represented him. Mohammed was deeply sincere in his beliefs, while his unique personality brought to him followers of many types and characters. In this way he helped establish a coherent body of belief which bound together the people of Arabia and saw the Islamic faith blossom across half the world. First published in translation in 1938, this work treats the story of Mohammed's life within the historical setting of Arabia and the life and character of its people. The republication of this edition will help to meet the growing interest in the development of the world's major religions.
