This insightful book acts as a valuable resource for anyone seeking an unprejudiced and well-researched account of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life, particularly those interested in interfaith dialogue and understanding Islam from an outsider’s perspective.

An extensive research on the Sīrah (Biography of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH) has been conducted by both Muslim and non-Muslim scholars, resulting in diverse perspectives. Numerous authors have explored the life of the Prophet (PBUH), with mixed flavors—some based on biased research and some on unbiased research. One among the non-Muslim voices who offer an unbiased assessment of the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is K.S. Ramakrishna Rao. He has authored a book titled “Muhammad, The Prophet of Islam,” which would be reviewed in the following pages.
The book under review comprises six insightful chapters, each delving into the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with a nuanced perspective. What sets K.S. Ramakrishna Rao apart is his unique vantage point as a non-Muslim author. Despite his non-Islamic background, Rao’s portrayal of the Prophet is notably favourable. Throughout the exploration of Prophet Muhammad’s life, Rao accentuates his role as a peacemaker and catalyst for social change. He describes Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the perfect model for human life. He contends that comprehending the entirety of Muhammad’s personality is challenging, only allowing glimpses of it. Rao portrays Muhammad (PBUH) as a multifaceted figure, encompassing roles such as the Prophet, Warrior, Businessman, Statesman, Orator, Reformer, Protector of Slaves, Emancipator of Women, and Judge. Within these diverse facets of human activity, Rao portrays Muhammad (PBUH) as a hero, embodying excellence across various domains.
In the first chapter, the author shares his view of how he felt while penning down about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); he was hesitant because it was to write about a religion one does not profess (the Author is a professing Hindu). According to the author, man lives in a society, meaning our lives are bound with the lives of so many, willingly or unwillingly, directly or indirectly. Thus, we need to promote mutual understanding, and for that, one should try to know all religions of the world in the proper spirit.
The author describes our beloved Prophet as a historic personality, every event of whose life has been most carefully recorded, and even the minutest details are being preserved. His life and works are not wrapped in mystery. One need not hunt for accurate information and embark on arduous expeditions to sift the chaff and husk from the grain of truth. The author’s work is further lightened because now Islam and the Prophet are not misrepresented, as was earlier by some of its critics.
In the second chapter under the title “Mustafā-The Chosen One,” the author describes how the Prophet taught self-control and discipline to the extent of praying even on the battlefield to the Arabs, who once fought for forty years on a slight provocation over the issue of Camel and lost 70,000 lives. The author also sheds light on how the Prophet (PBUH) changed the strategy of the battlefield. The battlefield was itself humanized, and strict instructions were issued. His intention was never to harm or kill anybody; he preferred peace. He even pardoned his worst enemies. The total number of casualties in all the wars during his lifetime doesn’t exceed a few hundred in all. He promoted equality, universal brotherhood (Hajj as a living testimony), and the rights of women.
Chapters three and four under the titles “Al-Amīn The Trustworthy” and “As-Sadiq The Truthful,” respectively, address the qualities (social as well as political) of our beloved Prophet, his impeccable character, and his contributions. Also, a description of the followers of the Prophet (PBUH) is given, and how much they used to love the Prophet (PBUH). Further, Muhammad (PBUH) is described as the perfect model, from orphanhood to kingship facing all the lights and shades, ups and downs. He stood the fire of the world and came out unscathed to serve as a model in every phase of life. Despite being unlettered, he could yet speak with such eloquence that moved men to tears of ecstasy. His simplicity is also praised; even after the fall of Makkah (million square miles of land lay at his feet), he doesn’t change his way of life, still used to mend his own shoes, milked the goats, and swept the hearth, etc. He remained consistent throughout his life.
Chapter Five under the title “The Perpetual legacy to the world” explores Muhammad’s miracles (attributed to God). He always considered himself an ordinary person. Further, his introspection and reflection are discussed here; he turned the attention of his followers towards the Study of Nature. There are several verses in the Qur’ān inviting close observation of nature. The Muslims under its influence began to observe nature closely, and this gave birth to the scientific spirit of observation and experiments, the minute methods and ways of investigation that were alien to others and thus were introduced into the European world by the Arabs.
Chapter six under the title “Muhammad (PBUH) is about Islam and its teachings. The author mentioned this because Islam is the way that shaped the whole life of the Prophet (PBUH). The author also addressed the hereafter and man’s destiny.
On the last page, there is a non-Muslim verdict on Muhammad (PBUH) and The Qur’ān. That’s so fascinating. It gives us a glimpse of the fact that the Prophet (PBUH) is undoubtedly a role model to the whole of mankind.
In a world marked by religious animosity, K.S. Ramakrishna Rao stands as one of the distinguished scholars and deserves praise for fostering understanding and appreciation. Despite the prevalent discord among religious groups, Prof. Rao has undertaken significant work that deserves genuine applause. His contributions, particularly in the realm of interfaith dialogue and his meticulous examination of the Sīrah (Biography of Prophet Muhammad), reflect a commitment to bridging gaps and promoting mutual respect.
Ramakrishna Rao’s unbiased approach and in-depth analysis make it a valuable resource for readers. I would suggest the book for one and all, especially the students and scholars of religious studies. This insightful book acts as a valuable resource for anyone seeking an unprejudiced and well-researched account of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life, particularly those interested in interfaith dialogue and understanding Islam from an outsider’s perspective.
The writer is pursuing Masters in Islamic Studies at the Central University of Kashmir. She can be reached at [email protected]

Hakeem Misbah