This course introduces students to the life of Muhammad ﷺ, the prophet-founder of Islam, and his depiction in both Muslim and non-Muslim sources. After sequentially examining his life, as presented in the early biographical sources, we turn to examine the diverse images and conceptions of him across history, among various Muslim circles (including Sunni, Shi`i and Sufi conceptions) as well as non-Muslims. We will also discuss the Prophet’s teachings, and his roles (legislative, political, etc.). Students will also be introduced to the critical methods used in contemporary academic scholarship to investigate the Prophet’s life.

Course fulfills the following curricular requirements:
MAIRS- Islamic Studies – Foundational Fields