Muhammad's People: An Anthology of Muslim Civilization

This treasury of revelation and religious wisdom--enhanced by elements of statecraft, humor, and poetry--presents a remarkably authentic and intimate overview of the formative period of Muslim culture. Muhammad's People covers the birth of Islam and the rise, decline, and fall of the caliphate; the development of a sophisticated modern mentality; and the religion's evolution from basic piety to more specialized sects. Approximately one-tenth of the Koran, beautifully translated, is incorporated in a biography of Muhammad. A vivid portrait of the Prophet emerges from his sayings, accounts of his personal customs, and reminiscences by his contemporaries. Other topics include the life of the caliph Harun al-Rashid, a description of dervish life, and an introduction to Sufi ideas. Examples of Arab literary art, poetry, fables, speeches, letters, and songs enliven this work, written by a noted archeologist and historian of Islamic art. Unabridged republication of edition published by The Bond Wheelwright Company Publishers, Portland, Maine, 1955. Introduction. Appendix. Chief Sources. Chronology by Caliphates. Indexes.