This is a sub-article to Criticism of Islam.

Milad, Milad an-Nabi or Mawlid un-Nabi (Arabic: ) is the celebration of the birthday of Muhammad. ... A Naat (Persian: نعت ) is poetry that specifically praises the prophet Muhammad. ... this is a sub-article to Non-Islamic views of Muhammad This article is concerned with the historical changes and development of the Christian view of Muhammad. ... The historicity of Muhammad concerns the historical authenticity of Muhammad. ... Depictions of Muhammad, drawings of Muhammad are often contentious. ... Criticism of Islam has existed since Islams formative stages on philosophical, scientific, ethical, political and theological grounds. ...

Non-Muslim criticism of Muhammad

During the time of Muhammad^[1] and later in Middle Ages, Jewish writers commonly referred to Muhammad as ha-meshuggah ("the madman" or "possessed"), a title contemptuously used in the Hebrew Bible for impostors who think of themselves as prophets.^[2] Muhammad in a new genre of Islamic calligraphy started in the 17th century by Hafiz Osman. ... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... 11th century manuscript of the Hebrew Bible with Targum This article is about the term Hebrew Bible. For the Hebrew Bible itself, see Tanakh (Jewish tradition) or Old Testament (Christian tradition). ...

Christians were also often dismissive of Muhammad, many producing negative and inflammatory accounts of his life that were claimed to be deliberately "malicious".^[3] False reports on Muhammad's life and death includes reports circulated by Christian writers that Muhammad died while being drunk, or was killed by pigs. Such stories and opinions were circulated with the knowledge that Islam forbids both alcohol and pork. Such caricatures of Muhammad extended to works of literature and poetry. In Dante's Inferno, Muhammad and Ali are portrayed as being in Hell, subject to horrifying tortures and punishments for their sins of schism and sowing discord. In the Middle Ages Islam was widely believed to be a heresy of Christianity. In other works, he is described as a "renegade cardinal of the Catholic Church who decided to start his own false religion".^[4] A less belligerent depiction occurs in 13th century Estoire del Saint Grail, the first book in the vast Arthurian cycle, the Lancelot-Grail. Here, Muhammad is portrayed as a true prophet sent by God to bring Christianity to the pagan Middle East; however, his pride causes him to alter God's wishes and he deceives his followers, though his religion is viewed as vastly superior to paganism.^[5] harām (Arabic: حرام Ḥarām, Turkish: Haram, Malay: Haram) is an Arabic word, used in Islam to refer to anything that is prohibited by the faith. ... DANTE is also a digital audio network. ... The Divine Comedy (Italian: , later christened Divina by Giovanni Boccaccio), written by Dante Alighieri between 1308 and his death in 1321, is widely considered the central epic poem of Italian literature, and is seen as one of the greatest works of world literature. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Perdition redirects here, for the play see Perdition (play). ... The word schism (IPA: or ), from the Greek σχίσμα, skhísma (from σχίζω, skhízō, to tear, to split), means a division or a split, usually in an organization or a movement. ... Look up Heresy in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... A bronze Arthur in plate armour with visor raised and with jousting shield wearing Kastenbrust armour (early 15th century) by Peter Vischer, typical of later anachronistic depictions of Arthur. ... The Lancelot-Grail, also known as the prose Lancelot, the Vulgate Cycle, or the Pseudo-Map Cycle, is a major source of Arthurian legend. ... Look up pagan, heathen in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Martin Luther referred to Muhammad as "a devil and first-born child of Satan".^[6] Maracci, who translated the Qur'an into Latin in 1698, held that Muhammad and Islam were not very dissimilar to Luther and Protestantism.^[6] Gottfried Leibniz, while praising Muhammad and his followers for spreading monotheism and "abolishing heathen superstitions" in the remote lands where Christianity had not been carried, holds that belief in Muhammad, Zoroaster, Brahma, or 'Somonacodom' is not as worthy as belief in Moses and Jesus.^[7] The Catholic Encyclopedia (1911) states that Muhammad was inspired by an "imperfect understanding" of Judaism and Christianity.^[6] Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was a German monk,[1] priest, professor, theologian, and church reformer. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Moses with the Tablets, 1659, by Rembrandt This article is about the Biblical figure. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Christianity percentage by country, purple is highest, orange is lowest Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch...

Gabriel Oussani in Catholic Encyclopedia states that the views of Luther and those who call Muhammad a 'wicked impostor', 'dastardly liar' and a 'willful deceiver' are an "indiscriminate abuse" and are "unsupported by facts: Instead, nineteenth-century Western scholars such as Sprenger, Noldeke, Weil, Muir, Koelle, Grimme and Margoliouth give us a more correct and unbiased estimate of Muhammad's life and character, and substantially agree as to his motives, prophetic call, personal qualifications, and sincerity."^[6] Muir, Marcus Dods, and others have suggested that Muhammad was at first sincere but later became deceptive. Koelle finds "the key to the first period of Muhammad's life in Khadija, his first wife," after whose death he became prey to his "evil passions."^[6] William Montgomery Watt, on the other hand, has stated his belief that there are no solid grounds for the view that Muhammad's character declined after Muhammad went to Medina. He argues that "in both Meccan and Medinan periods Muhammad's contemporaries looked on him as a good and upright man, and in the eyes of history he is a moral and social reformer."^[8] The term Western world, the West or the Occident (Latin occidens -sunset, -west, as distinct from the Orient) [1] can have multiple meanings dependent on its context (e. ... Author: Sprenger, Aloys, 1813-1983 Bibliography: Title: A catalogue of the Arabic, Persian and Hindustany manuscripts, of the libraries of the King of Oudh, compiled under the orders of the Govt. ... Theodor Nöldeke (March 2, 1836 - 1930), German Semitic scholar, was born at Harburg, and studied at Göttingen, Vienna, Leiden and Berlin. ... Gustav Weil (April 25, 1808, Sulzburg, Baden - August 29, 1889, Freiburg-im-Breisgau) was a German orientalist. ... Sir William Muir (April 27, 1819–1905), was a Scottish Orientalist. ... Sigismund Wilhelm Kölle (14 July 1820, Cleebronn- 18 February 1902, London) was a German missionary, and pioneer scholar of African languages. ... David Samuel Margoliouth (October 17, 1858 - March 22, 1940) was the UK orientalist. ... Marcus Dods (April 11, 1834 - April 26, 1909) was a Scottish divine and biblical scholar. ... Khadija (Arabic: خديجه ) was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad. ... William Montgomery Watt is a English Islamic scholar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, or reputation to a charitable cause. ...

Zwemer, a Christian missionary, criticised the life of Muhammad on various grounds; first by the standards of the Old and New Testaments, second by the pagan morality of his Arab compatriots, and last, by the new law which he brought. Zwemer suggests Muhammad defied Arab ethical traditions, and that he personally violated the strict sexual morality of his own moral system. Quoting Johnstone, Zwemer concludes by claiming that his harsh judgment rests on evidence which "comes all from the lips and the pens of his [i.e. Muhammad's] own devoted adherents."^[9] Samuel Marinus Zwemer (April 12, 1867-April 2, 1952) was an American missionary, traveler, and scholar. ... 11th century manuscript of the Hebrew Bible with Targum This article is about the term Hebrew Bible. For the Hebrew Bible itself, see Tanakh (Jewish tradition) or Old Testament (Christian tradition). ... This article is about the Christian scriptures. ... -1... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

Contemporary critics such as Ayaan Hirsi Ali have criticized Muhammad for preaching beliefs that are incompatible with democracy, and Ali has called him a "tyrant". ^[10] Daniel Pipes sees Muhammad as a politician, stating that "because Muhammad created a new community, the religion that was its raison d'etre had to meet the political needs of its adherents."^[11] Ibn Warraq, another critic, laments that "unfortunately, as he gained in confidence and increased his political and military power, so the story goes, Muhammad turned from being a persuader to being a legislator, warrior, and dictator."^[12] Ayaan Hirsi Ali ( ; Somali: ; born Ayaan Hirsi Magan 13 November 1969[2] in Mogadishu, Somalia) is a feminist and political writer, daughter of the Somali scholar, politician, and revolutionary opposition leader Hirsi Magan Isse. ... This article needs additional references or sources to facilitate its verification. ...

Muhammad's marriages

Main article: Muhammad's marriages

The fact that the Quran exempts Muhammad from laws concerning polyagmy and the like has been a source of controversy. The fact that several Islamic sources state that Muhammad (aged over 50) consummated the marriage to his youngest wife while she was only 9 years old has also been a source of controversy (see below). Muhammad (A.D. 570-632) is regarded by Muslims as the last prophet of God. ... As a verb, consummate means to bring something to its completion, such as a transaction, concept, plan or action. ...

Aisha

Main article: Aisha's age at marriage

Muhammad's marriage to Aisha is particularly controversial, mainly because of her age during the marriage. The hadith collections of Bukhari (d. 870) and Muslim b. al-Hajjaj (d. 875) are in general regarded as the most authentic by Sunni Muslims. Both quote Aisha herself claiming she was six or seven at the time of her marriage and nine when the marriage was consummated. D A Spellberg states that in Ibn Sa'd, the age of Aisha at marriage varies between six and seven.^[13] She stayed in her parents' home till she had reached puberty at nine (or maybe ten according to Ibn Hisham) and then her marriage with Muhammad was consummated.^[14][13] Spellberg states that "all these references to the Aisha's age reinforce Aisha's pre-menarcheal status, and, implicitly her virginity."^[13] Aisha bint Abu Bakr, one of the wives of Muhammad, is traditionally believed to have been married young. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Muhammad Ibn Ismail Ibn Ibrahim Ibn al-Mughirah Ibn Bardiziyeh al-Bukhari محمد بن اسماعيل بن ابراهيم بن المغيرة بن بردزبه البخاري), was the author of a collection of traditions, compiled in Sahih Bukhari. ... Events February 28 - End of the Fourth Council of Constantinople. ... Abul Husayn Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj Qushayri al-Nisaburi (Arabic: أبو الحسين مسلم بن الحجاج القشيري النيسابوري) (born 204 A.H. - 261 (or 268?) A.H/ 875), Muslim Author of the second most widely recognized collection of Hadith in Sunni Islam. ... Events December 29 - Charles the Bald, king of west Danes capture Lindisfarne and arrive in Cambridge. ... Sunni Islam (Arabic سنّة) is the largest denomination of Islam. ...

The age of Aisha is of particular concern to non-Muslims, who denounce Muhammad for having sexual relations with a girl so young. Ayaan Hirsi Ali has called Muhammad a "pervert" for allegedly marrying a girl as young as six. Jerry Vines has called Muhammad a "pedophile".^[15] Ali Sina has also called Muhammad a "pedophile,"^[16] as well as Craig Winn, who says, "Accusing a prophet of being a pedophile sounds outrageous. Yet the evidence is undeniable..."^[17] Colin Turner, a professor of Persian language and Islamic history, however states that Muhammad's marriage in its context was not in the least improper. Such marriages between an older man and a young girl were customary among Bedouins as they still are in many societies across the world. Coulin further writes that Arabs in the seventh century tended to reach adulthood at an earlier age than Westerners today.^[18] Sexual behavior is a form of physical intimacy that may be directed to reproduction (one possible goal of sexual intercourse) and/or to the enjoyment of activity involving sexual gratification. ... Ayaan Hirsi Ali ( ; Somali: ; born Ayaan Hirsi Magan 13 November 1969[2] in Mogadishu, Somalia) is a feminist and political writer, daughter of the Somali scholar, politician, and revolutionary opposition leader Hirsi Magan Isse. ... Jerry Vines, born in 1937, is an American preacher and pastor of the nations third largest Southern Baptist church, the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida. ... Pedophilia, paedophilia, or pædophilia (see spelling differences), is the paraphilia of being sexually attracted primarily or exclusively to pre-pubescent children. ... Ali Sina redirects here, as it is the name the founder of Faith Freedom International uses. ... Craig Winn is an American author and former businessman. ...

Some claim that Muhammad's example encourages the practice of child marriage in Muslim communities. Ibn Warraq writes that "child marriages continue to be practiced, and the fact that the Prophet himself married Aisha when she was only nine and he was fifty-three encourages Muslim society to continue with this iniquitous custom."^[19] Ibn Warraq is the pen name of an author of several books on Islam. ...

There is considerable debate among Muslim scholars over Aisha's age at marriage. Maulana Muhammad Ali makes a detailed historical argument that Aisha could not have been more than nine or ten at the time of betrothal, and fifteen at marriage.^[20] Others fix her age at consummation as late as nineteen.^[21] Muqtedar Khan also concurs with Shanavas, who argues that there are different reports within the Islamic sources about the age of Aisha at the time of marriage.^[22][23] A majority of scholars accept the traditional account of Aisha being married at the age of nine. Some respond to criticism of the young marriage by arguing that she had reached puberty by then,^[24] while others argue that she was older than nine at marriage. In an effort to show that Aisha's marriage was not unusual, defenders point out that early marriages were common in most cultures until fairly recent times.^[25] In medieval Britain, "Girlhood was brief. Women were marriageable at twelve and usually married by fourteen. Heiresses might be married in form as young as five and betrothed even younger..."^[26] Some cite an account in Christian apocryphal writings that claims that Mary, mother of Jesus, was between the ages of twelve and fourteen at the time of her marriage to a ninety-year old Joseph; however, many churches see these works as suspicious or unreliable for various reasons.^[27] Also, even when those stories were widely believed, it was also believed that the marriage was never consummated.^[28] Maulana Muhammad Ali 1874-1951 Amir (1914-1951) Muhammad Ali was born in 1874 in Punjab (India). ... Dr. M. A. Muqtedar Khan (b. ... . ... Apocrypha (from the Greek word απόκρυφα meaning those having been hidden away[1]) are texts of uncertain authenticity or writings where the authorship is questioned. ... “Saint Mary” redirects here. ... For other uses, see Saint Joseph (disambiguation). ...

Zaynab bint Jahsh

Muhammad has been criticized for marrying Zaynab bint Jahsh, the divorced wife of his adopted son.^[29] Watt, however, holds that Muhammad didn't marry Zaynab for sexual desire, but that this marriage was mainly a "political act in which an undesirable practice of 'adoption' belonging to a lower moral level was ended". This does not cite its references or sources. ...

Safiyya bint Huyayy

Safiyya bint Huyayy was a Jewish woman captured from the Banu Nadir tribe at age 17,^[30] who became Muhammad's eleventh wife. Some critics are of the opinion that this marriage of Muhammad could be termed as rape, since a woman whose husband had been killed by Muhammad would be unlikely to take interest in him. ^[31][32][33] Safiyya bint Huyayy (Arabic: صفية بنت حيي, c. ... For other uses, see Jew (disambiguation). ... Banu Nadir (Arabic: ‎) were one of the three main Jewish tribes living in the 7th century of Medina, now in Saudi Arabia. ... Muhammad in a new genre of Islamic calligraphy started in the 17th century by Hafiz Osman. ...

Violence

Ibn Ishaq writes that Muhammad approved the beheading of some 600-900 individuals from the Banu Qurayza who surrendered unconditionally after a siege that lasted several weeks.^[34] Detail from miniature painting The Prophet, Ali, and the Companions at the Massacre of the Prisoners of the Jewish Tribe of Beni Qurayzah, illustration of a 19th century text by Muhammad Rafi Bazil. 17 folio 108b. Manuscript now housed in the British Library.

There have been several incidents recorded in Islamic histories and hadith that have served as the basis for criticisms of Muhammad's alleged cruel and unforgiving behavior in war. Image File history File links Banu_Qurayza. ... Image File history File links Banu_Qurayza. ... Ibn Ishaq (or ibn Ishaq), (d. ... The massacre of the Banu Qurayza. ... The massacre of the Banu Qurayza. ...

Ibn Ishaq (d. 761) relates that, while in a certain town, Muhammad gave license to his men to "kill any Jew who falls into your power." In short order, Muhayyisa ibn Mas'ud slayed a Jewish merchant named Ibn Sunayna. When Muhayyisa's brother Huwayyisa confronted him about the deed, he boasted that "had Muhammad commanded him to murder his (Muhayyisa's) brother, he would have done so." This display of faith caused Huwayyisa to convert to Islam on the spot, proclaiming that "any religion that can bring you to this is indeed wonderful!"^[35] (This story is partially corroborated in a hadith [6]). Ibn Ishaq (or ibn Ishaq), (d. ...

Ibn Warraq believes this illustrates a "ruthless fanaticism into which the teaching of the Prophet was fast drifting."^[36] Scholar Daniel W. Brown concurs with this story, but does not pass judgment.^[37] In response, some Muslims question the reliability of the hadith in which the story appears (specifically, claiming that its isnad is weak). They also claim that Ibn Hisham, a disciple of Ibn Ishaq who edited his work, questioned Ishaq's timing of the incident, casting doubt on the story's accuracy as a whole.^[38] Also, in answering criticisms of this type, some Muslim scholars argue that Muhammad's actions disqualify him as God's spokesman only if such actions also disqualify men like Joshua, or conversely compare Muhammad favorably with Old Testament figures like Joshua^[39][40] However, Joshua was chiefly a military leader, not a moral leader and definitely not the greatest prophet to be emulated like Moses in Judaism or Jesus in Chritianity. Muhammed on the other hand is seen as the greatest prophet in Islam. Ibn Warraq is the pen name of an author of several books on Islam. ... The isnad (Arabic اسناد or in Quranic era Arabic اسند) are the citations or backings that establish the legitimacy of the hadith, which are the sayings of Muhammad, Prophet of Islam. ... Ibn Hisham, Abu Muhammad Abd al-Malik (d. ... Ibn Ishaq (or ibn Ishaq), (d. ... Joshua, Jehoshuah or Yehoshua. ... Note: Judaism commonly uses the term Tanakh to refer to its canon, which corresponds to the Protestant Old Testament. ... Moses with the Tablets, 1659, by Rembrandt This article is about the Biblical figure. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... Christianity is a monotheistic [1] religion centered on Jesus of Nazareth and his life, death, resurrection, and teachings as presented in the New Testament. ...

Muhammad is also criticised for the massacre of Banu Qurayza, a Jewish tribe of Medina. The tribe was accused of having engaged in treasonous agreements with the enemies besieging Medina in the Battle of the Trench in 627.^[41][42] Ibn Ishaq writes that Muhammad approved the beheading of some 600-900 individuals who surrendered unconditionally after a siege that lasted several weeks.^[34] (Also see Bukhari 5:59:362) (Yusuf Ali notes that the Qur'an discusses this battle in verses ^{[Qur'an 33:10]}).^[43] The women and children were sold into slavery. According to Norman Stillman, the incident cannot be judged by present-day moral standards. Citing Deut. 20:13-14 as an example, Stillman states that the slaughter of adult males and the enslavement of women and children, though bitter, was common practice throughout the ancient world.^[44] According to Rudi Paret, the adverse public opinion was more a point of concern to Muhammad when he had some date palms cut down during a siege than after this incident.^[45] Esposito, aiming at understanding the incidident in its historical context, also argues that in Muhammad's time traitors were executed and alleging similar situations in the Bible.^[46] The massacre of the Banu Qurayza. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Events April 11 - Paulinus, a Roman missionary, baptizes King Edwin of Deira December 12 - Battle of Nineveh: Byzantine Emperor Heraclius defeats the Persians Births Deaths November 10 - Justus, Archbishop of Canterbury Categories: 627 ... Ibn Ishaq (or ibn Ishaq), (d. ... Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1872-1952) was born in Bombay, India, to a wealthy merchant family. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... N. Stillman Norman Arthur Stillman is the Schusterman-Josey Professor and Chair of Judaic History at the University of Oklahoma. ...

A few Muslim scholars, such as W. N. Arafat and Barakat Ahmad, have disputed the historicity of the incident.^[47] Ahmad, argues that only the leaders of the tribe were killed. (see his thesis)^[48] Arafat argued that Ibn Ishaq gathered information from descendants of the Qurayza Jews, who embellished or manufactured the details of the incident.^[49][50] Watt finds Arafat's arguments "not entirely convincing."^[51] This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ... This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ... Ibn Ishaq (or ibn Ishaq), (d. ...

Another controversial story is that of an attack on a Jewish settlement called Khaybar. After its last fort was taken by Muhammad and his men, the chief of the Jews, called Kinana ibn al-Rabi, was asked by Muhammad to reveal the location of some hidden treasure. When he refused, Muhammad ordered a man to torture Kinana, and the man "kindled a fire with flint and steel on his chest until he was nearly dead." Kinana was then beheaded, and Muhammad took his young wife Safiyya bint Huyayy ^[52]According to Al-Bukhari, Muslims wondered if she was to be a concubine or a wife to Muhammad, and speculated that if he ordered her to veil herself, she will be one of the "Mothers of the Believers" (one of his wives), but if he does not, then she would become a concubine of his. Muhammad threw his own mantle on her, and took her for wife.^[53] Some think that Muhammad married Safiyya as part of a deal to conclude a peace treaty.^[54] Muslim scholar Maulana Muhammad Ali holds that Muhammad married the widowed Safiyya, who had supposedly already fallen into his hands as a captive, as a gesture of goodwill.^[55] Ruins of a Jewish Fortress at Khaybar Khaybar (خيبر) is the name of an oasis some 95 miles to the north of Medina (ancient Yathrib), Saudi Arabia. ... Kinana ibn al-Rabi was a Jewish leader of seventh-century Arabia and an opponent of Muhammad; son of the poet al-Rabi ibn Abu al-Huqayq, who flourished at Medina in the seventh century, prior to the appearance of Mohammed at that town. ... Safiyya bint Huyayy (Arabic: صفية بنت حيي, c. ... Muhammad Ibn Ismail Ibn Ibrahim Ibn al-Mughirah Ibn Bardizbah al-Bukhari محمد بن اسماعيل بن ابراهيم بن المغيرة بن بردز&#1576... Mother of the Believers (Arabic: Umm-al-Momineen) is an Islamic term that is given as a honorific to Muhammads wives. ... Maulana Muhammad Ali 1874-1951 Amir (1914-1951) Muhammad Ali was born in 1874 in Punjab (India). ...

Critics take these events, especially the story of the torture of Kinana, to be another blot on Muhammad's character.^[56] Those few Western scholars who discuss the alleged torture of Kinana, like William Muir, do not question the validity of the story.^[57] Muslims generally dispute this incident. Some claim that this was yet another story that Ibn Ishaq heard second-hand from Jewish sources, casting doubt on its authenticity.^[58] Others argue that Kinana was killed in battle and never taken captive.^[59] Sir William Muir (April 27, 1819–1905), was a Scottish Orientalist. ...

Ownership of slaves

Main article: Muhammad's slaves

Some scholars criticise the Islamic world for allegedly having allowed slavery to persist for some time after it was abolished in the West. Rodney Stark points to the example set by Muhammad as a possible reason for this, saying that "the fundamental problem facing Muslim theologians vis-a-vis the morality of slavery is that Muhammad bought, sold, captured, and owned slaves." Although he does admit that Muhammad "advise(d) that slaves be treated well," he contrasts Islam with Christianity, implying that Christian theologians wouldn't have been able to "work their way around the biblical acceptance of slavery" if Jesus had owned slaves like Muhammad did.^[60] Muhammad is regarded by Muslims as the last prophet of God. ... Rodney Stark is an American sociologist of religion. ...

Muhammad is criticised^[61] for apparently having had a child by a slave girl called Maria or Mariyah, who was a present from the Byzantine ruler of Egypt. By some accounts Muhammad did not marry her because she would not convert to Islam,^[62] though other Islamic researchers claim that Muhammad was indeed married to Mariyah.^[63] Maria al-Qibtiyya (Arabic: مارية القبطية) (alternatively, especially in non-Arabic traditions, Maria Qupthiya), or Maria the Copt, was a Coptic Christian slave who was sent as a gift from Muqawqis, a Byzantine official, to the Islamic prophet Muhammad in 628 CE. According to most Islamic accounts, she was Muhammads wife. ... Byzantine Empire at its greatest extent c. ...

However, some defend Muhammad by highlighting his supposed fair treatment of slaves. For example, there was a slave called Zayd ibn Harithah, whom Muhammad freed and adopted. Zayd may have been the first male to convert to Islam, and later became a trusted companion to Muhammad. One early biography relates Muhammad as having said that "he (Zayd b. Harithah) was one of the dearest to me of all men."^[64] Additionally, some Muslims point to the following hadith as evidence that Muhammad saw all men as being equal under God:^[65] This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Psychology

Muhammad is reported to have mysterious seizures at the moments of inspiration. Welch, a scholar of Islamic studies, in Encyclopedia of Islam states that the graphic descriptions of Muhammad's condition at these moments may be regarded as genuine, since they are unlikely to have been invented by later Muslims. According to Welch, these seizures should have been the most convincing evidence for the superhuman origin of Muhammad's inspirations for people around him. Muhammad's enemies however accused him as one possessed, a soothsayer, or a magician since these experiences made an impression similar to those soothsayer figures well known in ancient Arabia. Welch states it remains uncertain whether Muhammad had such experiences before he began to see himself as a prophet and if so how long did he have such experiences. ^[66] The Encyclopedia of Islam (EI) is a scholarly encyclopedia covering all aspects of Islamic civilization and history. ... Al Khazneh (Arabic for Treasury), Petra the Nabataean capital Ancient Arabia reffers to the pre-historic region which today consists of the modern-day states of the Arabian peninsula as well as the modern-day countries of Jordan, Israel, Syria, Lebanon and southern & western Iraq. ...

Commenting on the seizures, critics have brought up what they see as evidence of psychological problems. Some specifically categorize his religious revelations as the product of these alleged problems. D. S. Margoliouth claims that there are confirmations that the 'strange fits' that allegedly beset Muhammad while he was receiving revelation were a sign of epilepsy, and were even occasionally faked for effect.^[67] Sprenger attributes Muhammad's revelations to epileptic fits or a "paroxysm of cataleptic insanity."^[6] In an essay that discusses views of Muhammad's psychology, Dr. Franz Bul is said to have observed that "hysterical natures find unusual difficulty and often complete inability to distinguish the false from the true", and to have thought this to be the "the safest way to interpret the strange inconsistencies in the life of the Prophet." In the same essay Dr. D. B. Mcdonald is credited with the opinion that "fruitful investigation of the Prophet's life (should) proceed upon the assumption that he was fundamentally a pathological case."^[68] David Samuel Margoliouth (October 17, 1858 - March 22, 1940) was the UK orientalist. ... Author: Sprenger, Aloys, 1813-1983 Bibliography: Title: A catalogue of the Arabic, Persian and Hindustany manuscripts, of the libraries of the King of Oudh, compiled under the orders of the Govt. ... Revelation This article is about prophecy. ... “Epileptic” redirects here. ... Paroxysmal attacks are short, frequent and stereotyped symptoms that can be observed in various clinical conditions. ... Catalepsy is a condition characterized most often by rigidity of the extremities and by decreased sensitivity to pain. ... ‹ The template below (Expand) is being considered for deletion. ...

William Montgomery Watt disagrees with the epilepsy diagnosis. First, he argues that Muhammad did not even have epilepsy, saying that "there are no real grounds for such a view." Elaborating, he says that "epilepsy leads to physical and mental degeneration, and there are no signs of that in Muhammad." He then goes further and states that Muhammad was psychologically sound in general: "he (Muhammad) was clearly in full possession of his faculties to the very end of his life." Finally, he implies that these types of accusations aren't relevant to the question of the reality of Muhammad's revelations, which should be left to theologians to argue. "These physical accompaniments... can never either prove or disprove the truth of the content of the experiences."^[69] William Montgomery Watt is a English Islamic scholar. ...

Gary Miller disputes claims that Muhammad was deluded. He states that if the Qur'an was originated from some psychological problems in Muhammed's mind, there would have been evidence of it in the Qur'an. Miller finds no such evidence, seeing it as a remarkably stable book that doesn't shows any sign of being affected by intense issues going on in Muhammad's mind such as the death of his wife and children and his fear of the initial revelations.^[70]

Medieval allegations of Satanic connection

Some Medieval ecclesiastical writers^[6] claimed that Muhammad was completely possessed by Satan, and that everything he said and did was Satan's work. Others hold that the incident of the so-called 'Satanic Verses' casts doubt on the reliability of Muhammad's revelations.^[71] Gustave Dorés depiction of Satan from John Miltons Paradise Lost Satan, from the Hebrew word for adversary (Standard Hebrew: , Satan; Tiberian Hebrew ; Koine Greek: Σατανάς Satanás, Persian: , Satanás; Aramaic: , ; Arabic: , , Geez: , Turkish: Şeytan), is a term that originates from the Abrahamic faiths, being traditionally applied to... For the novel by Salman Rushdie, see The Satanic Verses. ...

Gary Miller compares the claim that Qur'an was revealed by Satan to Muhammad with the story in New Testament in which Jews accused Jesus of being helped by Satan. He claims that this is the "quickest and cheapest excuse available." Pointing to verse ^{[Qur'an 16:98]}, He claims that a man could write "Before you read my book, ask God to save you from me" but Satan couldn't do this.^[70] This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...

Yusuf Ali claims that the accusation that Muhammad was possessed was similar to the accusation levelled at Moses by the Pharaoh. This comes in a comment to a verse in the Qur'an that claims that the same charge was made against all of God's prior messengers (thus discounting its weight):^[72] Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1872-1952) was born in Bombay, India, to a wealthy merchant family. ... Moses with the Tablets, 1659, by Rembrandt This article is about the Biblical figure. ... Pharaoh was the ancient Egyptian name for the office of kingship. ...

This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...

Personal motives

Non-Muslim views

Did Muhammad believe he was a prophet, or did he consider himself a fraud? Many critics express some doubt of Muhammad's sincerity.

19th century and early 20th century

In his 1841 essay "On Heroes And Hero Worship And The Heroic In History" Thomas Carlyle alleged that Muhammad was "an impostor, who to satisfy his ambition and his lust propagated religious teachings which he himself knew to be false."^[8] William Muir, a 19th century scholar, like many other 19th century scholars divides Muhammad's life into two periods — Meccan and Medinan. He asserts that "in the Meccan period of [Muhammad's] life there certainly can be traced no personal ends or unworthy motives," painting him as a man of good faith and a genuine reformer. However, that all changed after the Hijra, according to Muir. "There [in Medina] temporal power, aggrandisement, and self-gratification mingled rapidly with the grand object of the Prophet's life, and they were sought and attained by just the same instrumentality." From that point on, he accuses Muhammad of manufacturing "messages from heaven" in order to justify a lust for women and reprisals against enemies, among other sins.^[73] D. S. Margoliouth, another 19th century scholar, sees Muhammad as a charlatan who beguiled his followers with techniques like those used by fraudulent mediums today. He has expressed a view that Muhammad faked his religious sincerity, playing the part of a messenger from God like a man in a play, adjusting his performances to create an illusion of spirituality.^[74] Margoliouth is especially critical of the character of Muhammad as revealed in Ibn Ishaq's famous biography, which he holds as especially telling because Muslims cannot dismiss it as the writings of an enemy: The most familiar view of Carlyle is as the bearded sage with a penetrating gaze. ... Sir William Muir (April 27, 1819–1905), was a Scottish Orientalist. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... For other uses, see Hijra. ... David Samuel Margoliouth (October 17, 1858 - March 22, 1940) was the UK orientalist. ... In spirituality, a medium or spirit medium (plural mediums) is an individual who possesses the ability to receive messages from spirits (discorporate entities), or claims that he or she can channel such entities — that is, write or speak in the voice of these entities rather than in the mediums... Ibn Ishaq (or ibn Ishaq), (d. ...

Late 20th century

Modern secular historians generally decline to address the question of whether the messages Muhammad reported being revealed to him were from "his unconscious, the collective unconscious functioning in him, or from some divine source", but they acknowledge that the material came from "beyond his conscious mind."^[76] According to Montgomery Watt, recent writers have generally dismissed notions of deceit, arguing that he was sincere and acted in good faith.^[77] Watt concludes that Muhammad himself did believe that he was receiving revelations.^[78][79] William Montgomery Watt states: William Montgomery Watt is a English Islamic scholar. ... William Montgomery Watt is a English Islamic scholar. ...

Rudi Paret agrees, writing that "Muhammad was not a deceptor,"^[82] and Welch also holds that "the really powerful factor in Muhammad’s life and the essential clue to his extraordinary success was his unshakable belief from beginning to end that he had been called by God. A conviction such as this, which, once firmly established, does not admit of the slightest doubt, exercises an incalculable influence on others. The certainty with which he came forward as the executor of God’s will gave his words and ordinances an authority that proved finally compelling."^[83]

Bernard Lewis, another modern historian, commenting on the common western Medieval view of Muhammad as a self-seeking impostor, states that ^[84] Prof. ...

Watt rejects the idea of Muhammad's moral failures from Meccan period to Medinian one and contends that such views has no solid grounds. He argues that "it is based on too facile a use of the principle that all power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely". Watt interprets incidents in the Medinan period in such a way that they mark "no failure in Muhammad to live to his ideals and no lapse from his moral principles." ^[8]

Muslim arguments

The Islamic scholar Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi discussed and defended Muhammad in his book The Meaning Of Islam. He saw Muhammad as essentially an ordinary man before he began receiving his revelations at the age of forty, writing that "he was not known as a statesman, a preacher, or an orator... there was nothing so deeply striking and so radically extraordinary in him which could make men expect something great and revolutionary from him in the future." He then goes on to describe Muhammad's transformation from an "unlettered" tribesman into a widely-hailed poet and a matchless military leader and political reformer. According to Maududi, the only way to explain the rise of one such as Muhammad from the "all-pervading darkness of Arabia" is to conclude that he really was inspired by God.^[85] It has been suggested that Introduction of Islam (book) be merged into this article or section. ...

Arguments from other Muslims, such as Gary Miller and Ahmed Deedat, include the following: Sheikh Ahmed Hussein Deedat (July 1, 1918 - August 8, 2005), was a Muslim scholar of Comparative religion, an author, lecturer, and an orator. ...

• Muhammad's confidence and his behavior when his life was threatened shows he really thought he was a prophet. (E.g. Paragraph 25 and 26 in The Amazing Quran.)^[70]
• Muhammad doesn't credit coincidences to himself. (For example Ahmed Deedat makes such an argument based on Muhammad al-Bukhari 2:18:153)^[86]
• Gary Miller argues that the Qur'an offers a "test of falsification" for its authenticity, a test he believes is not offered by other religious scriptures or other religions in general. He also points out to Qur'an's practice of advising the reader to verify the authenticity of the statements made in the book.^[70]

Muslims have been quick to respond to the allegation that Muhammad invented the religion of Islam as a political tool to gain leadership amongst his people. Ahmed Deedat claims that the Qur'an makes it clear that Muhammad is nothing more than human, and that he himself is not to be worshipped. Deedat also points out verses in the Qur'an in which God chastizes Muhammad for slight mistakes. He mentions one in particular that reads: "[Muhammad] frowned, and turned away, because there came to him a blind man interrupting (his sermon). But what could tell the, that perchance he might grow (in spiritual understanding)?" and states that "Afterward, Muhammad would remember to greet that man with kind words."^[87] Sheikh Ahmed Hussein Deedat (July 1, 1918 - August 8, 2005), was a Muslim scholar of Comparative religion, an author, lecturer, and an orator. ... For other uses, see Al-Bukhari (name) Popularly known as just Bukhari, Al-Bukhari or Imam Bukhari (810-870), he was a famous Sunni Islamic scholar of Persian ancestry,[1] most known for authoring the hadith collection named Sahih Bukhari, a collection which Sunni regard as the most authentic (Arabic...

Regarding disbelief of Muhammad's message early in his career, the commentator Yusuf Ali discusses verse ^{[Qur'an 18:6]}, stating that "(Muhammad) is here consoled (by Allah), and told that he was not to fret himself to death: he was nobly doing his duty."^[88] Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1872-1952) was born in Bombay, India, to a wealthy merchant family. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...

References

This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Blessed Virgin Mary A traditional Catholic picture displayed sometimes in homes. ... Craig Winn is an American author and former businessman. ... Prophet of Doom is a book written by the American businessman Craig Winn. ... Ibn Warraq is the pen name of an author of several books on Islam. ... This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ... The Encyclopedia of Islam (EI) is a scholarly encyclopedia covering all aspects of Islamic civilization and history. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 174th day of the year (175th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics is an extensive work by James Hastings, written between 1908 and 1927, covering religion, comprised of entries by many contributors. ... T&T Clark is a British publishing firm which was founded in Edinburgh in 1821 and which now exists as an imprint of Continuum. ...

External links

• Aisha the Child Wife of Muhammad - Faith Freedom International
• Prophet of Doom: The Pedophile Pirate - Prophet of Doom.net, site from Craig Winn, author of Prophet of Doom
• Muhammad - Answering-Islam.org
• Muhammad: Terrorist or Prophet?
• Muhammad, Islam and Terrorism