MUHAMMAD: PROPHET OF PEACE AMID THE CLASH OF EMPIRES

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Juan Cole situates the life of Muhammad in the context of the political and spiritual scenario of 6th and 7th century middle-east, when the region formed a battleground for two competing empires - the Byzantine empire on its west and the Persian empire on its east, with their respective religious worldviews. In doing so, it is as if the author has pulled aside a semi-transparent curtain that had veiled the truth from our eyes for so long, and shown how deeply relevant this wider geopolitical situation is to understanding how Islam was born.Criticising and keeping aside histories and prophetic biographies written by Muslim historians more than 2 centuries after the prophet's death, Cole focuses on reading the Quran in the light of its geopolitical context. The later histories are written by authors who were part of an ascendent and victorious empire, and hence, might have been motivated more by the search for a valorous past to justify present acts of conquest, rather than with an objective look at that past. Written in this way, an early history of Islam re-writes commonly accepted narratives about the battles fought by the prophet, about the treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the idea that the Medinans conducted raids upon Meccan caravans, and more.The life and message of Muhammad emerges as one that sought to bring peace and a persisting harmony in human relations in the area, as opposed to the tremendous bloodshed and disrespect for human rights that was prevalent at the time. The prophet is seen as a man who is both deeply contemplative and conscious of the political and economic realities of his time, seeking a solution to their problems. As a widely travelled merchant through the middle-east, well-acquainted with the spiritual and cultural traditions that both empires had brought to their areas of conquest.Muahmmad's message is thus not one that arises in the isolation of an Arabian desert but one that responds fully to the material and spiritual problems of this time - most particularly war and bloodshed, but also the absence of human rights and the decline of a sense of the sacred in everyday life. Several verses of the Quran are shown to be directly relevant to the rise and fall in the fortunes of the Christian Byzantine empire, as are many injunctions, articles of faith and idioms linked to the culture of that empire. Cole thus shows the Quran is emerging from an atmosphere soaked in the faith and laws of the Christian and Jewish people, often echoing some of their creed, and at other times, reforming it.An eye-opening book for those interested in a deep immersion into the wider historical context of Islam.

At first i did not like the book because i thought it was giving too much attention to the political situation of the arabia and the world. I felt like i was with a tour guide touring the area.I even thought of returning the book but decided to read it.But after first chapter it became interesting and focused more on the topic and justified the title.I am glad i finsihed it.Very well researched and enlightening book.

I loved this book. It draws a lot of its sources for evidence in the Quran itself. At the end it lists all the references to peace that have been mentioned in it. The book emphasises the ecumenical nature of Islam and its desire to bring together all monotheistic beliefs. And it stresses the absolute opposition of the Quranic message to coercion of conscience and aggression (use of violence for non-defensive reasons).

Beautifully written, "Muhammad, Prophet of Peace" is a brilliant and compelling work. The central focus of the book is on the teachings of Muhammad and the Qur’an, as well as on Muhammad’s life. The book is based most extensively on the text of the Qur’an, as a primary source, as well as an array of other sources, mostly in Arabic, English, French and German. Among the sources are references to the work of Roman historians, to St. Augustine, to medieval and modern-day scholars of Islam. The subject matter of the book is at the intersection of religion and history.One of the characteristics of the book that appeals most is not only its exceptional intellectual analysis, but also its very accessible writing. The book has the erudition of an academic treatise but reads like an interesting narrative. Professor Cole makes a compelling case that what Muhammad preached was peace. The work is situated within the geo-political context of the 6th and 7th century Middle East, and the competition between the Eastern Roman Empire and Sasanian Persia, initially led by Khosrow II.The comparisons and contrasts with other religions are among the fascinating aspects of the book. The central focus is on Muhammad’s teachings, with extensive references to Christianity and Judaism.Professor Cole’s study is equitable to all religions discussed. In an in-depth final part, he addresses the fact that the message of peace preached by Muhammad has been misappropriated in subsequent times and used to justify offensive warfare. Muhammad’s key teachings included “the prohibitions on coercion of conscience and on aggressive warfare.” The final part of the book addresses in depth the subsequent misappropriation at times, after Muhammad’s lifetime, of his teachings. Professor Cole analyzes both the “how” and “why” aspects of this issue, from the standpoint of theology and history. He also discusses other religions, originating in the Middle East and South Asia, whose peaceful message was, at times, subsequently misappropriated.The book explores what the Qur’an says about peace and war. Battle, according to the Qur’an, is a legitimate response to aggression, which the book indicates is similar to what St. Augustine stated about defensive warfare. Professor Cole also writes about passages that give insight into the Qur’an’s theory of social peace (from The Pilgrimage chapter in the Qur’an). According to this chapter of the Qur’an, when one people launches aggression, others must restrain them, in an effort to establish collective security (p. 148). Professor Cole explains the evolution of years of Roman discourse (especially 300s-400s CE) on breaches of peace. It is fascinating to find out how it had changed from when the Roman Empire had been pagan (at the time of Cicero) to when it adopted Christianity as the new religion.The book analyzes the Constitution of Medina in the early 620s, which was part of forging a social contract among the clans of Medina and delineating community relations. The constitution offers a vision of a non-doctrinal, religiously multicultural society based on communal loyalty, granting of security, and mechanisms for settling torts, which establishes obligations of non-belligerence in the city of the Prophet.The book’s readable and scholarly account of Muhammad’s message and the events which took place in the Middle East in the 6th and 7th century is compelling. Professor Cole critically examines sources, some of which, for example those alluding to war between Byzantium and clans in Arabia, are anachronistic (p. 182). He explains that this conflict occurred after the death of Muhammad, not during his lifetime. At times the book cites Christian theologians, such as St. Augustine as rendering an accurate analysis. At other times, Professor Cole points out that, as in the case of Bishop Sophronios, the latter’s statements are unsubstantiated by historical record. The book references at certain points biographers of Muhammad- but considers those in light of the Qur’an, and the rich array of historical and theological sources available.Very interesting in terms of geo-political context is that the later Roman Empire, under Herakleios, still had republican remnants, with the Senate as an important consultative body. This model, according to the book, which differed from the absolute monarchy of Khosrow II of Iran, may have been important for Muhammad’s views on the Roman Empire. Those views would have also been influenced by the Arab preference for the consultation between clan chiefs over centralized power (p. 134).Among the discussion of the rich array of events is a comprehensive explanation of the dynamics between Mecca and Medina, and of the Treaty of Hudaibiya (reconstructed from historical sources). There is also an account of Muhammad’s trips to Damascus and his interactions with other faiths; as well as his views on the Roman empire. The narrative of “Muhammad, Prophet of Peace Amid the Clash of Empires” has been written within the theological context of the teachings of Muhammad, and it draws parallels and contrasts with Christianity and Judaism. The narrative closely follows the life of the Prophet. Geopolitically, the events in the book are based within the context of the power struggle between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Sasanian Iranian Empire. The appendix contains the multiple verses on peace from the Qur’an that are relevant to the book.Overall, “Muhammad, Prophet of Peace Amid the Clash of Empires” is a brilliant book, which gives the reader fascinating insight into a complex era. It is written beautifully and contains compelling, expert analysis.

This most recent book by Professor Juan Cole is thoroughly enjoyable, excellently researched, and well-written. I came at this book already familiar with, and deeply respectful of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. Yes, the Prophet Muhammad was a peace-maker...and he was a warrior.The Prophet Muhammad lived in 7th century Arabia, where the society and culture differed vastly from today's. It never ceases to amaze me that some (even some Amazon reviewers) judge Muhammad and his then followers by the standards of today. If one reads the 'Five Books of Moses', take notice of the extreme violence described. A distant time. I see little criticism of the 'Five Books of Moses' coming from those who are critical of the Prophet Muhammad. Nor do I see any abhorrence of Christian violence, or for that matter, violence committed in the name of any other religion.To me, Professor Cole's main point is Muhammad's peace-making and peaceful activities need to be highlighted, particularly now when there is such vitriol and prejudice directed at the Muslim community, and willful ignorance practiced about Islam.And, Juan Cole's colorfully descriptive writing style made this book eminently readable. It put me in 7th century Arabia, riding along with Muhammad and his followers. Excellent job, Professor Cole.

This is an excellent book, Juan Cole as an Historian provides evidence consistently from the Quran that Muhammad was peaceful, and that all wars were waged in self-defence. More over he also proves that the Quran respects Jews and Christians.These are just two of the many examples Juan Cole gives which are right belowSurah The Cow verse 2:190 says “fight in the path of God those who enter into combat against you, but do not commit aggression. God does not love aggressors.”Surah The Cow Verse 2:62 Proclaims, Those who believed, and the Jews, ,and the Christians, and the Sabians, and whoever has believed in God and the Last Day and performed good works, they shall have their reward with their lord.