What inspired you to write The First Muslim?Basically, frustration! I’d read several biographies of Muhammad as background for my previous book, After the Prophet, but though they seemed to tell me a lot about him, they left me with little real sense of the man himself. There was a certain dutiful aspect to them, and this made them kind of… soporific. Which seemed to me a terrible thing to do to such a remarkable life.
There was a terrific story to be told here: the journey from neglected orphan to acclaimed leader—from marginalized outsider to the ultimate insider—made all the more dramatic by the tension between idealism and pragmatism, faith, and politics. I wanted to be able to see Muhammad as a complex, multidimensional human being, instead of the two-dimensional figure created by reverence on the one hand and prejudice on the other. I wanted the vibrancy and vitality of a real life lived.
But of course I was also impelled by a certain dismay at how little most of us in the West know about Muhammad, especially when Islam is so often in the headlines and there are so many competing claims to “the truth about Islam.” This one man radically changed his world—indeed he’s still changing ours—so it seemed to me vitally important that we be able to get beyond stereotypes and see who he really was.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about Muhammad?
Let’s take just the two most obvious stereotypes: the lecherous polygamist, and the sword-wielding warmonger. In fact Muhammad’s first marriage, to Khadija, was a loving, monogamous relationship that lasted 24 years, until her death. The nine late-life marriages were mainly diplomatic ones—means of sealing alliances, as was standard for any leader at the time. And it’s striking that while he had five children with Khadija—four daughters and a son who died in infancy—he had none with any of the late-life wives.
As for the warmonger image, Muhammad maintained a downright Gandhian stance of passive, nonviolent resistance to both verbal and physical assaults for 12 years, until he was driven into exile from his home in Mecca. The psychology of exile thus played a large role in the armed conflict over the subsequent eight years, until Mecca finally accepted his leadership in a negotiated surrender, with strong emphasis on avoiding bloodshed.
Is there anything you had to leave out?
I know there’s a tendency to elide certain issues of Muhammad’s life, not least among them the rapid deterioration of his relations with the Jews of Medina, which was especially hard for me, as a Jew, to write about. But to evade such issues seems to me to demonstrate a certain lack of respect for your subject. A biographer’s task is surely to create as full a portrait as possible. If you truly respect your subject, you need to do him justice by according him the integrity of reality.
What alternative title would you give the book?
Perhaps “Seeing Muhammad Whole.” Or “A Man in Full.” But since Muhammad is told three times in the Qur’an to call himself the first Muslim, I knew early on that this would be the title.
Did you have a specific audience in mind?
It kind of hurts to think of intelligent, open-minded readers as a specific audience…
Are you hoping to just inform readers? Give them pleasure? Piss them off?
Far more than inform! The pleasure for me lies in the “aha!” of understanding, of grasping the richness of reality, with all its uncertainties and dilemmas. It’s in the practice of empathy—not sympathy, but empathy, which is the good-faith attempt to understand someone else’s experience. Those who nurture images of Muhammad as the epitome of either all evil or all good may well be disconcerted, but then that’s the point: empathy trumps stereotype any time.
What’s the most important take-home message for readers?
The First Muslim isn’t a “message” book. If anything, since I’m agnostic, you might call it an agnostic biography. But I think many readers may be surprised at Muhammad’s deep commitment to social justice, his radical protest against greed and corruption, and his impassioned engagement with the idea of unity, both human and divine—major factors that help explain the appeal of Islam.
How do you feel about the cover?
I loved it the minute I saw it. Riverhead brilliantly avoided all the usual obvious images—domes, minarets, crescent moons, camels, and so on—and opted instead for the understated elegance of this classic “knot” tile design.
Is there a book out there you wish you’d written?
On Muhammad? No, and that’s exactly why I wrote The First Muslim. The book I wish someone else had written didn’t exist—one that brought psychological and political context to the historical and religious record, and one I actually wanted to read instead of feeling that I should.
What’s your next book?
I’m thinking it’s time to explore exactly what I mean by being an agnostic, and how this informs my ongoing fascination with the vast and volatile arena in which religion and politics intersect.
Hi Lesley.
Well, this interesting and important historical event, the banishment of the Levi clan of the children of Israel from Madina has been sidelined by the Jewish Rabbis and most historians. The world is hiding shamelessly this important historical event. I have given a brief account in my book available in website, sbpra.com//allamadrsanisalihmustapha. It was only the Levi clan that could be with Muhammad for they were needed to establish his Shari’a. When that was achieved their function seized and they had to leave Madina. Note that there is no compulsion in Islam that is obedience to Allah in following Muhammad. I hope you will the difference for your ancestors in Egypt were compelled to follow Moses to prepare them for the Shari’a.
Please Lesley, do not forget your base! Compare the life of Muhammad with that of Moses.
When Makka was conquered Abu Sufyan lamented saying, ‘A speck’ has conquered the world.
Sani — This is not exactly how the earliest Islamic histories (ibn-Ishaq and al-Tabari) record matters. Further, I would have thought it clear that I consider my “base” to be the intelligent open-minded reader, of whatever faith or non-faith. But really, may I suggest — not only to you, but to anyone else tempted to comment prematurely — actually reading ‘The First Muslim’ before commenting on it?!
Hi Lesley!
I bought books through Amazon, but are yet to arrive. I prepare to buy your book direct from bookshops.
The point is I have read about many books written by those who do not understand Revelation and the G-d of Abraham. They make mistakes like your assertion and understanding that Muhammad is the First Muslim. He is not certainly and cannot be. It is not allowed in the teaching of Muhammad to start an argument or say something that is not said by Him. He never described himself as First Muslim and no Sahaba ever described him as such.
My dear Lesley from the beloved children of Israel, there is more than enough for you and those writing on Muhammad to understand the G-d of Abraham and believe in him from the Torah. You do not need the Qur’an to believe in the G-d of Abraham. I read the Torah a lot and find no difference in what is in the Qur’an.
If you want to write on Muhammad, please write that he observed the 3 prayer times in Makka – morning, afternoon and evening as observed and prayed by the Jews, when he migrated he wanted to use the horn on calling people to prayers. He established the law of foreigners and made Madina like the six safe towns in the Torah. Tell us about Huayyy ibn Akhtab the leader of Banu Nadir (I think) who confessed that Muhammad indeed is that messenger mentioned in the Torah. I read both the books of at-Tabari and ibn Ishaq, but you may misunderstood them for reasons unknown. They wrote on a section of his history but not on his Sunna.
As I pointed out on http://www.TheFirstMuslim.com (and in the book itself, of course), the title comes from the Quran, which tells Muhammad three times (6:14, 6:163, and 39:12) Say, I am the first Muslim. While I know certain Islamic traditions have it that Abraham was the first Muslim (and others, Adam), the Quran nonetheless refers to Abraham as the first hanif, or monotheist. I went with the source. Again, I recommend reading first, commenting after.
Hi
Unfortunately this is what is happening in the modern times…..Commenting without reading the actual book. I was surprised to see the good Pastor who wanted to burn the Quran, come on TV and say that in fact he had not read the Quran at all
it’s real sad
Accidental Theologist fans! I’m releasing a review of The First Muslim Monday Jan 5 on http://www.completeword.wordpress.com
Check it out! What a great read. Tamam Kahn
Dear Leslie,
Looking forward to reading the book… I wish I had the time to do the translation into Turkish but I am sure someone will do that.
It is a delicate topic this interaction of religion and politics. My home country is having its share on it for decades now. It may be more about power and religion but politics is seen as a means to power so it makes sense either way.
After I started following your blog, I did try to find out what you mean by an “agnostic Jew” and did some reading on it. It is important for me because names, concepts are important; they not only provide clues to the others about you, but also shape the way you perceive yourself.. And if your perception hardly fits any category, you try to alter or change them. Not always an easy job… Anyway, I just want to say that I am very happy that you will write about this concept.
Happy 2013!
Thank you for getting the idea. Not easy, true, but then it wouldn’t be interesting of it was!
As an agnostic Muslim I really enjoyed your TEDx talk, however, I regretfully agree with Sani about your interpretation of the 3 verses you quote from the Quran re 1st Muslim. I give to you the translation by M. Asad, an Austrian Jew convert to Islam who took great pains to be etymologically and semantically correct in his translation. It is considered by many scholars as one of the best. Definitely my favourite. ‘first’ and ‘foremost’ are not synonomous, would you agree?
Asad: Say: “Am I to take for my master anyone but God, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, when it is He who gives nourishment and Himself needs none?” Say: “I am bidden to be foremost among those who surrender themselves unto God, and not to be” among those who ascribe divinity to aught beside Him.” Q 6:14
Asad in whose divinity none has a share: for thus have I been bidden-and I shall [always] be foremost among those who surrender themselves unto Him.” Q 6:163
Asad and I am bidden to be foremost among those who surrender themselves unto God.” Q 39:12
Hi Riz. Indeed Muhammad encouraged nothing other than telling the truth abiding sticking and practicing it. I love the Jews because they were portrayed in the Qur’an as a national exposing the truth and never hiding it. Thus why many of them accept Islam that is their simplified version of the written and oral law. But Hesley is trying to forget her sound base.
Lesley
I want to apologize for my earlier comment. In way of apology I would like to offer my explanation. First off, I feel like a bloody fool! I stumbled on your book whilst trolling the web and without any research on you, your background and your rather singular achievements I proceeded to send you my take on the what I realized later, was the title of your book. That in itself was rather rude and insensitive of me. Please accept my heartfelt apology. I subsequently found out more about you and just simply loved your Quran TEDx talk. I view the Quran in much the same way but could never in my life, have expressed it is so eloquently and charmingly. I don’t know why Sani has decided to interject himself into this with yet another badgering remark on you and your going back to your ‘base’. This is something I do not want to be associated with, as it is I’m feeling very sheepish. Looking forward to reading your books. Salaam Alaikum!
Thank you, Riz — both for the apology (which takes courage) and for checking out the context (which takes time). Alaikum assalaam! — L.
Assalamu alaika Riz.
Brother Riz, we have problem of education and giving the G-d of Abraham his Right. We have only one BOOK the Torah and no one can do without it. Muhammad never rejected it. My understanding is, it is part of the Qur’an and I do not discriminate between them. The Sunna of Muhammad that is his actions is a different field.
I respect the Jews because of their history that shapes my belief and determination to obey the one chosen by Allah. I like Lesley because she was a Jew loved by Muhammad but despised for unknown cause by some of his followers. My interaction with some Jews in Europe make me belief that an understanding Jew as Lesley described herself cannot be a ‘Christian’ but can only be one to follow the actions of Muhammad.
The translation of Muhammad Asad was coined from the Tafsir of Imam Shawkani and az-Zamakhshari. That is why it is standard. There are many forms of Tafsir.
I am not against Lesley, but only telling her that I have spent 52 years reading the Torah and I have not find anything there in the Qur’an contradicting what Muhammad mentioned of it. 90% of the Muslim customs are Jewish. Read the way they bury their deceased. Any difference?
I am calling on the Jews to understand those calling for their salvation and freedom. True followers of Muhammad were never their enemies and will never be. The ball is in their hand now.
Sani, please — This is NOT the place for da’wa. The verse to bear in mind is “to you your religion, to me mine.” Just as I respect your islam, I ask that you respect my agnosticism, and accept the fact that I have no interest in being “saved.”
Sorry Lesley! Please forgive me my misunderstanding you right from the word go! Then you should never have written on Muhammad for to write on Muhammad is to call for da’wa. By the way, is you book not a book of da’wa since da’wa means calling or addressing people? This indeed paradox how you know Muhammad but denying the existence of the G-d of Abraham. You cannot separate Muhammad from the G-d of Abraham. Muhammad is mentioned whenever the G-d of Abraham is mentioned.
Sigh… No, Sani, not da’wa. Not preaching. Not an act of devotion. Not at all. Read the book first, then comment.
Have I said this before?
Hello Lezley,
How can I get your book in India ?
Regards,
Farrukh Kidwai
Thanks for asking, but alas, I don’t know. Publication for now (that is, as of Jan 24) is in the US and Canada, though the book is also available at amazon.co.uk. I wish I had a magic wand that let it be easily available everywhere, but as is, authors have little control — in fact none — so have it to leave it to the ingenuity of readers!
Dear Lesley, It was hard to find someplace on your blogsite where I could write to you! I just wanted to say that it’s true that your title, The First Muslim, in indeed incorrect, but not for the reason others have given. It’s incorrect because Muhammad himself was highly dubious about his revelation, and it was his wife Khadijah who first believed and convinced her husband to believe. Therefore, by any reasonable standard she should be known as the first Muslim, not Muhammad.
I will read your book anyway, since I am very interested in the founders of great religions (I’m a professor of comparative religion) and I have not found the previous biographies compelling.
Thanks Donald. You’ll find that Chapter 6 of the book describes that extraordinary marriage, and Chapter 7 ends with her role as the first person to hear the revelations from Muhammad. I agree re previous biographies — which is why I wrote this one.
Dear Lesley,
As a Muslim I had mostly read and learned detail of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) after the proclamation of prophet hood and felt innate need to know the events that actually shaped or lead to his development. I am very fond of reading your books and how you try to separate b/w what is divine and indeed what is more to be associated with the human or its psychological need but I fail to understand and somewhat sad to learn that you are still an agnostic? May ALLAH uncover the truth that beholds you from true understanding. Anyways well done on your write-up and thorough research, gripping narrative had me engulfed in such a state that I kept on reading page after page till it wasn’t finished. Thank you
Thank you, Talha, but really, no need to be sad on my behalf. I truly value my agnostic perch!
Hello Lesley,
Going by your analogy to name your book, “As I pointed out on http://www.TheFirstMuslim.com (and in the book itself, of course), the title comes from the Quran, which tells Muhammad three times (6:14, 6:163, and 39:12) ”
I’m curious to know why did you not take into account 7:143
“When Moses came to the place appointed by Us, and his Lord addressed him, He said: “O my Lord! show (Thyself) to me, that I may look upon thee.” Allah said: “By no means canst thou see Me (direct); But look upon the mount; if it abide in its place, then shalt thou see Me.” When his Lord manifested His glory on the Mount, He made it as dust. And Moses fell down in a swoon. When he recovered his senses he said: “Glory be to Thee! to Thee I turn in repentance, and I am the first to believe.”
According to this verse , even Moses says, ‘He is first to believe.’
Thank you.
Check the Arabic: “awwal al-muuminin” versus “awwal-al-muslimin”
Hi Lesley,
I’ve enjoyed reading your book, especially when presenting the human element of the Prophet. Most moving for me was how you described the first revelation on Hira’; the Prophet’s feelings of awe & terror (I know some have objected to this term, but think I see what you’re trying to convey with it). I totally agree that if a person was to experience some sort of connection with God, he/she will have similar feelings. That to me is what Muslim prayer is all about; prostrating before God in full submission & pleading for guidance.
I’ve also read “After the Prophet”, a great read as well. I think both your books give an outside view of Muslim history, one from which many Muslims could benefit. Reverence of the Prophet’s companions and/or family is misguided in my opinion; we should put aside the differences ‘they’ had, and focus on unity, the one thing which Islam is all about.
Thank you, Ali — I do indeed believe that an ‘outside eye’ can provide a fresh and even refreshing way of seeing.
Hi Lesley
sorry my english is not perfect.
I hope you will understand my demand.
I fisrt want to congratulate you about your works, i just read your
book “The first muslim” and i really enjoy it.
I also would like to share it with some people i knew, but their
learning of english is low.
I would ask you please, if your editor provide a french translation of
this book or orher works you’ve alreaddy done.
I thank you for your answer and wish you the best.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you, Hakim. No French translation, alas. But an audio English version may be in the works. — L.
Thank you so much for your answer Lesley