Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time

"Islamic Sex Laws Are Easy to Break, Impossible to Enforce"Los Angeles Daily JournalAugust 5, 1999By Khaled Abou El FadlLaws endeavor to resolve conflicts and regulate human behavior. However, often the real force of law is in making moral points, educating and indoctrinating. Some legal systems moralize explicitly, while other legal systems indulge in the fiction of moral neutrality. But all legal systems say something about the morality of right and wrong.For example, in Islamic law, one of the world's oldest and perhaps most significant legal systems, sometimes morality is the only point - which is hardly surprising considering that Islamic law is also a religious system. But what is fascinating about Islamic law is the way it balances competing moralities at the expense of the possibility of enforcement.For instance, Islamic law is reputed to be a rather strict, puritan legal system. This is both true and false. Consider the way Islamic law punishes illicit sexual relations. The punishment for fornication or adultery in Islam is rather harsh. A fornicator is flogged 100 lashes, and an adulterer is stoned to death. However, adultery or fornication can only be proven in two ways.First, it can be proven by a free, uncoerced confession that is repeated three times on three separate occasions. If the alleged perpetrator confesses twice but recants on the third time, he or she cannot be punished.The second way fornication or adultery can be proven is by the testimony of four adult males who witness the actual act of penetration. It is not sufficient for the witnesses to catch the couple naked in bed. Likewise, if the witnesses see an act of oral copulation, that is not sufficient. A videotape or pregnancy is also inadequate to prove fornication or adultery. Furthermore, the evidence is excluded if the witnesses violate the defendant's privacy. In other words, spying will not do.A false accusation of adultery or fornication will result in punishment for sexual slander, which is 60 hard lashes. For example, if three witnesses say they saw the act of penetration while the fourth witness changes his mind at the last minute saying, "I am not sure I saw the penetration," then the first three witnesses are punished for slander.Obviously, in Islamic law the crime of fornication or adultery is hard, if not impossible, to prove. So why have the punishment at all? There are two competing values here.Illicit sexual relations must be condemned. At the same time, people should mind their own business, and spying or slandering cannot be tolerated. The solution was to make the moral point that fornication and adultery are terrible crimes, and only if they could be proven would they be punished severely. Nevertheless, the issue is generally between a person and God. Societal interests are implicated when these crimes are committed openly and publicly.At the same time, an accusatory culture in which people spy and slander is reprehensible, and that will be punished as well. Unlike our legal system, making the moral point is a sufficient justification for the law, even with practically no chance of enforcement.

Karen did a great job of this one. She's a known writer in spirituality. This helps the reader to situate Mohammed in a spiritual sense and help the reader grasp the setting in which he came to be such a leader in his time. If nothing else it might help to demythologize Mohammed too as most of the talk of the day seems to do just the opposite. Karen does a great job of enhancing the history to reveal how Mohammed might have traveled his spiritual journey and found his way. Sometimes we of other faiths would do well to read the spiritual journey of others. This way we can measure our own faith and sense of spirituality and see that we are not the only ones who seek to know God in a special way. She does not get political nor endorse or reject any of what is occurring today within the Muslim world--that is another place and another book, not here.

"Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time" is a compelling and thought-provoking biography that delves deep into the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Karen Armstrong's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a worthwhile read for those seeking to understand the historical and spiritual significance of Muhammad.Armstrong paints a vivid picture of the Prophet's life, from his early days in Mecca to his later years as the leader of the Muslim community in Medina. The book provides a balanced portrayal of Muhammad, exploring both his human vulnerabilities and his extraordinary spiritual insights.One of the book's strengths is its exploration of the cultural and historical context in which Muhammad lived. Armstrong skillfully navigates the complexities of seventh-century Arabia, shedding light on the social, political, and religious forces that shaped Muhammad's teachings and actions.I appreciated the author's efforts to dispel misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding Islam and the Prophet. She presents Muhammad as a multifaceted figure who sought to bring about social justice, compassion, and a deeper connection with the divine.Moreover, the book highlights the relevance of Muhammad's teachings in contemporary times. Armstrong draws parallels between the challenges faced by Muhammad and the issues confronting the world today, offering insights into how his messages can still resonate and inspire positive change.While "Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time" is undoubtedly a valuable read, it might not be the best starting point for readers completely new to Islamic history. The depth of historical context and the intricacies of Muhammad's life may be overwhelming for some, leading to occasional confusion.Additionally, some readers might find the narrative too dense at times, requiring extra attention to fully grasp the details and nuances presented.In conclusion, "Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time" is a commendable biography that sheds light on the life and teachings of one of history's most influential figures. Karen Armstrong's scholarship and dedication to accuracy make this book a valuable addition to the understanding of Muhammad's legacy and the early history of Islam.With the caveat that it might not be the most accessible read for beginners, I believe this book deserves a four-star rating for its in-depth exploration, cultural insights, and its relevance in promoting understanding and respect for different faiths and cultures.