Review by Choice Review
This encyclopedia offers over 200 broadly accessible articles written by an internationally diverse assemblage of 100-plus scholars. The introduction is an excellent digest of issues encountered when treating not just a man but also a legacy; nonspecialists will find this an especially useful orientation. Because knowledge of the Prophet's life is necessary to this work, three essay-articles are devoted to the art of prophetic biography alone. None of the material assumes any knowledge of Arabic, though Arabic terms are employed in a user-friendly fashion throughout. Articles often treat controversial topics (e.g., music, pluralism, pictorial depictions of Muhammad, Christian-Muslim relations) and generally do a respectable job of presenting contrasting perspectives on differences within Islam. The entries tend to "look West" (Muhammad often did so himself, given the religious and geopolitical questions of his time) and so include articles on the European Enlightenment, the influences of Islam upon the West, and more. Bibliographies, a welcome "Guide to Related Topics," cross-references, and the index all ensure that this work is not only an education in itself but also can be profitably used as a point of departure for further research. --Steven Peter Blackburn, Hartford Seminary
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Since the advent of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad has influenced both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The reaction that the prophet evokes is diverse and changes depending on one's time period and faith and has influenced individual contributions in other areas of endeavor as diverse as the fine arts, humanities, and scientific pursuits. For some pious Muslims, the Sunna (sayings of the prophet) and Sira (way of the prophet) take on scriptural dimensions. Applying these to life in the contemporary world requires analysis and interpretation, and thus these are a worthy endeavor for study. Areas such as theology, ethics, law, and philosophy have always been studied with reference to Muhammad. Other areas, such as geography, science, fine arts, and nonreligious literature, have been part of the lore surrounding the prophet. This work's scope strives to include the traditional areas associated with the prophet in addition to other areas typically not associated with the prophet (such as fashion and dreams). The work is unique in that it focuses on exploring many different aspects that link the prophet to the area of study under consideration. While drawing from current scholarship, it showcases the diversity of Muslim tradition and interpretation through the ages and across geographical boundaries. Each entry makes a clear connection between its area of focus and Islam's last prophet. The text is easy to read, and uniquely Muslim terms are explained in a glossary. Sidebars in some entries encourage readers to explore certain facets more deeply. Recent world events have fueled public interest in all things Islam, spurring even more academic interest. Hence, a publication that tries to compile how the Prophet Muhammad relates to other areas is a welcomed reference. This two-volume set would be an excellent reference for high-school students and general readers wanting to explore how the Prophet Muhammad relates to the diverse areas of study since the advent of Islam.--Hassanali, Muhammed Copyright 2014 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
This set examines the ways in which Muhammad has influenced Islam and has intersected with people, cultures, and societies outside as well as inside the religion. Editors Fitzpatrick (philosophy, Grand Valley State Univ., Allendale, MI) and Walker (doctoral student, Islamic history, Univ. of Leeds, England), have assembled a wide range of international scholars and experts to elucidate the impact that the prophet's life and views have made on history, culture, and society. Islamic principles such as fiqh (jurisprudence), umma (the Islamic community of believers), and jihad (struggle) are discussed with an emphasis on Muhammad's relationship to these concepts. Other entries deal with his affect on culture, society, and other religions, as in the entries on the European Enlightenment, music, and Jewish- and Christian-Muslim relations. The encyclopedia itself is arranged alphabetically; each summary is signed and includes a bibliography and cross-references (where needed). Articles are well balanced, scholarly, and written in language that will be readily understood by nonspecialists. Black-and-white photos are used judiciously throughout and text boxes highlight issues for more in-depth analysis. A chronology, a guide to related topics, and an alphabetical list of entries appear in the beginning of each book, with the second volume containing a comprehensive index along with a glossary of terms and a general bibliography subdivided by topic. VERDICT This scholarly and comprehensive resource is fairly unusual in its focus on Muhammad and his legacy. Although there are many great works on Islam, this is the only one that concentrates particularly on the prophet and his influence. Slightly specialized, it will be most useful for university and religious studies students and larger public libraries.-Amanda K. Sprochi, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Library Journal Review
