Muhammad: The Story of a Prophet and Reformer - Softcover

"I recommend this book to all those who are honestly struggling against bigotry and ignorance. This is a useful tool in the hands of truth seekers and peace makers." --Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, National Director Office for Interfaith & Community Alliances Islamic Society of North America--Reviews

"There aren't many books about Muhammad's life written for youth. Conover (Ayat Jamilah, 2004) has taken on the task, beginning with the prophet's childhood adoption by Bedouins and ending with his arrival in Medina. Along the way, the author details Muhammad's education, his first marriage, the revelation of the Qur'an, and the anger he faced from his community. Throughout, Conover cultivates a strong sense of place with colorful descriptions of the desert setting, and she draws the events, characters, and some dialogue from established biographies of Muhammad, hadith, and the Qur'an. Because of the strong ties to ancient texts, the language is best suited to strong readers and will probably have more resonance for students already familiar with Muhammad's origin. Conover's sensitive, respectful approach is carefully researched, though, and her emphasis on Muhammad's peaceful, wise nature adds nuance to the all-too-common myopic perceptions of Islam in contemporary culture. Though students will likely need a lot of help with this one, it opens the door to a more nuanced understanding of Muhammad and Islam." -- Booklist--Reviews

"This book is uniquely precious and timely. Filled with grace and beauty, this highly engaging story will stimulate minds and open hearts." - Imam Jamal Rahman, author of Spiritual Gems of Islam- Insights and Practices from the Qur'an, Hadith, Rumi and Muslim Teaching: Stories to Enlighten the Heart and Mind--Reviews

"Conover, author of multiple religion books including the prize-winning Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs: A Treasury of Islamic Wisdom for Children and Parents, adds herself to the growing list of biographers of the Prophet Muhammad. Her approach has a twist, though: aiming at teen readers, she adds imaginative, descriptive details and writes narratively--a departure from straightforward exposition. . . . Carefully separating the facts from the liberties in an appendix, which also includes a time line and glossary, Conover ends her tale with the arrival of Muhammad in Medina, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In her talented hands, Muhammad's story stays rooted in tradition, but takes on new dimensions that all readers, even seasoned ones, will appreciate and enjoy." -Publisher's Weekly--Reviews

"We highly recommend this portrait of Muhammad, written for young people but equally good reading for adults. It both humanizes him and shows him as a Divinely led person." -Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Practice--Reviews

Sarah Conover is the co-author of Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs: A Treasury of Islamic Wisdom for Children and Parents (Skinner House Books) and other books on world faith traditions.