Author: Dr. Mohammed A. Lais

Publisher: Zaitun Media Ltd.

Size/Vol.: A5_EXTRA (17.3x23.5 cm - 6.81x9.25 in)

ISBN : 9780993037511

Language : English

-Binding: Paperback

- Pages: 448

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- The book uncovers the truth about Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) and explains the reasons for misunderstanding between Islam and the West. It also highlights the prophet's characteristics and teachings. Every individual belongs to one class which is 'humankind' a policy which the Muslims should uphold.

- Based on the perceptions of non-Muslims, the book uncovers the truth about the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), clarifies the reasons for misunderstanding between Islam and the West and highlights the prophetic teachings which help to build unity and peace amongst interfaith communities. Data was collected by reviewing appreciations of Muhammad (SAW) made by non-Muslims across the history and also conducting semi-structured interviews involving contemporary non-Muslim prominent personalities including MPs, Lords, and priests from interfaith communities and chaplaincies of some leading universities. The combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches has contributed in revealing the reality and establishing interfaith understanding.

- Given the general lack of knowledge about and misrepresentation of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) over centuries, it has contributed to building a wrong paradigm in the approach to his life, character and teachings and has resultant with misunderstanding between the Islamic world and the West. This misrepresentation owes a lot to Orientalists including Venerable Bede, John of Damascus, William Dunbar, Mandeville, Dante and Muir who have accused Muhammad (SAW) of being an impostor, fake prophet, womaniser, bloodthirsty tyrant etc. These distortions have persisted for many generations and have been adopted by large sections of the western world. As a result the perceptions of Muslims have been skewed and stereotypes of their religion abound. This has led to the stigmatisation of Muslim communities and the Islamic faith worldwide. Muslims are being generally treated with hostility, resentment and bias. Often they are left feeling marginalised from the host society which creates huge distrust between interfaith communities and contributes to the view that Muslims are an obstacle towards social harmony.

- However, there have been a huge number of works by non-Muslim biographers, rulers, historians, politicians, priests from interfaith communities etc throughout history and the contemporary period which have offered appreciations for Muhammad (SAW). They made appreciations on his character, qualities, simplicity, humbleness, spirituality and relations with others which are relatively unknown and committed themselves to a truthful study of the Prophet's life, Qur'an and Islam. They represent a counter to the age-old charges which have been levelled against him. This book is an extensive investigation into this overlooked aspect. Furthermore, a significant part of Muhammad's (SAW) teachings which seldom receive attention is his promotion of interfaith unity, religious tolerance and social harmony. A comprehensive account of these teachings based on Muhammad's life and statements have been presented here, as well as the great number of acknowledgements made by non-Muslims who have expressed their approval and endorsement for these teachings in a series of lengthy interviews and discussions.

- It has been revealed that the world politicians from the history, religious leaders, academics, professors, teachers, historians, sociologists, scientists, biographers, writers, authors, poets, Christian priests, Hind pundits, Sikh Gurus, Buddhists Monks, Jewish Rabbis etc. have proclaimed in one voice that the teachings and the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Holy Book 'the Qur'an' and the religion 'Islam' do encourage the mankind for living peacefully like brothers of a family irrespective of the differences due to faiths, nationalities, cultures, colours or any others factors. Every individual belongs to one class which is 'humankind'. Greatness unites.