The life of Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah, is one that has been well documented throughout the course of history. One such document was written by Maxime Rodinson with the work, Muhammad which was published in 1980. This text explores the life of Muhammad through all stages of his life, childhood to adulthood. As such this text reveals many of the truths behind the beginnings of one of the world's most famous religions, that of Islam. Muhammad, which means highly praised, is one of the greatest minds and poets ever to grace the very soils of this Earth. Muhammad was also a merchant, husband, father, statesman and warrior of whom all of Islam believe was the final prophet. What is known about Muhammad is truly remarkable in that every account of his life has been immaculately maintained out of respect of his being. Thus Muhammad is much more than just a Prophet, he was a great businessman and orator as well as human being and model for everyman to live by. In this great light it is also to be maintained that over the course of time many stories and legends about Muhammad's life and existence have come into play. Therefore it is the goal of this essay as a review of the text written by Rodinson to eradicate any misinterpretations of a man who was so pure in form and is to be remembered as such without tarnish.
Most historians believe that Muhammad was born on April 20, 571, in the city of Mecca, in what is the current country of Saudi Arabia. This is not definite however as there is no concrete evidence of this occurrence and the date may range between the years 567 and 573. Remaining consistent with the account of his exact birth is the story of Muhammad's childhood. Very little is known about his childhood as these were the days prior to which he made a name for himself as one who has been chosen to deliver the messages of Allah. Subsequent to this is the fact that following the rise in popularity of Muhammad and his teachings came the backlash of stories and legends of his past of which most are mere imaginations with no basis of fact on even the most miniscule of levels.
