In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad

by Tariq Ramadan

Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most important innovators of the century, Tariq Ramadan is a leading Muslim scholar, with a large following especially among young European and American Muslims. Now, in his first book written for a wide audience, he offers a marvelous biography of the Prophet Muhammad, one that highlights the spiritual and ethical teachings of one of the most influential figures in human history.

In the Footsteps of the Prophet is a fresh and perceptive look at Muhammad, capturing a life that was often eventful, gripping, and highly charged. Ramadan provides both an intimate portrait of a man who was shy, kind, but determined, as well as a dramatic chronicle of a leader who launched a great religion and inspired a vast empire. More important, Ramadan presents the main events of the Prophet's life in a way that highlights his spiritual and ethical teachings. The book underscores the significance of the Prophet's example for some of today's most controversial issues, such as the treatment of the poor, the role of women, Islamic criminal punishments, war, racism, and relations with other religions. Selecting those facts and stories from which we can draw a profound and vivid spiritual picture, the author asks how can the Prophet's life remain -- or become again -- an example, a model, and an inspiration? And how can Muslims move from formalism -- a fixation on ritual -- toward a
committed spiritual and social presence?

In this thoughtful and engaging biography, Ramadan offers Muslims a new understanding of Muhammad's life and he introduces non-Muslims not just to the story of the Prophet, but to the spiritual and ethical riches of Islam.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction, History, Biography, Spirituality, Middle East

242 pages, Hardcover

First published December 11, 2007

About the author

Tariq Ramadan is the son of Said Ramadan and Wafa Al-Bana, who was the eldest daughter of Hassan al Banna, who in 1928 founded the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Gamal al-Banna, the liberal Muslim reformer is his great-uncle. His father was a prominent figure in the Muslim Brotherhood and was exiled by Gamal Abdul Nasser[3] from Egypt to Switzerland, where Tariq was born.

Tariq Ramadan studied Philosophy and French literature at the Masters level and holds a PhD in Arabic and Islamic studies from the University of Geneva. He also wrote a PhD dissertation on Friedrich Nietzsche, entitled Nietzsche as a Historian of Philosophy.[4] Ramadan then studied Islamic jurisprudence at Al-Azhar university in Cairo, Egypt.[5]

He taught at the College de Saussure, a high school in Geneva, Switzerland, and held a lectureship in Religion and Philosophy at the University of Fribourg from 1996 to 2003. In October 2005 he began teaching at St Antony's College at the University of Oxford on a Visiting Fellowship. In 2005 he was a senior research fellow at the Lokahi Foundation.[6][7] In 2007 he successfully applied for the professorship in Islamic studies at the University of Leiden, but then declined to take up the position, citing professional reasons.[8][9] He was also a guest professor of Identity and Citizenship at Erasmus University Rotterdam,[10][11][12] till August 2009 when the City of Rotterdam and Erasmus University dismissed him from his positions as "integration adviser" and professor, stating that the program he chairs on Iran's Press TV, Islam & Life, was "irreconcilable" with his duties in Rotterdam. Ramadan described this move as Islamophobic and politically charged. Beginning September 2009, Ramadan, was appointed to the His Highness Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani Chair in Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University.

Ramadan established the Mouvement des Musulmans Suisses (Movement of Swiss Muslims),which engages in various interfaith seminars. He is an advisor to the EU on religious issues and was sought for advice by the EU on a commission on “Islam and Secularism”.In September 2005 he was invited to join a task force by the government of the United Kingdom.[3] He is also the President of the Euro-Muslim Network,a Brussels-based think-tank.

He is widely interviewed and has produced about 100 tapes which sell tens of thousands of copies each year

As of 2009, Tariq Ramadan was persona non grata in Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia[19] Libya or Syria because of his "criticism of these undemocratic regimes that deny the most basic human rights".

Ramadan is married to a French convert to Islam and they have four children.

Reviews

[Rebekka Steg · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammed by Tariq Ramadan is very well written. It is so easy to dig into, read and understand. It is beautifully written and was honestly a joy to read. In addition to its accessibility and beautiful language, the biography comes with an extensive list of references making it a highly educational and authoritative work.
I greatly enjoyed learning more about the Prophet (pbuh) and his lives, and how his actions and ways of dealing with situations can (and very relevantly I might add) be applied today. It really is lessons from the life of the Prophet (pbuh) that are highly relevant to us all, even today, and that we should all do our best to incorporate into our lives.
I would highly recommend this book to muslims and non-muslims alike - it is highly relevant to us all.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book immediately after finishing Martin Lings' excellent biography of the Prophet (pbuh), and I highly recommend reading the two together. Lings told the history of the Prophet in a way that made him human. Ramadan's book tells HOW the Prophet was human, and focuses in on selected incidents from the life of Muhammad to show how we can pragmatically learn from lived experience. As a Muslim, that's invaluable to the deepening of faith as we are required to learn from and follow the Prophet's example . For anyone, the lessons Muhammad lives out are eloquently yet simply stated here, and they present universal truths - as in the end all truth is universal. The events in Muhammad's life have lessons for almost every level of existence from integrity in military campaigns and politics to the respect for all living beings, including animals, plants and how we are to are to treat the environment around us (as a manifestation of the divine). Ramadan's works are excellent at pulling out the meaning behind the form, and attempting to answer the "why?" of the seeker.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think reading about any prophet will endear you to the principles and ideas of the spiritual path their teachings laid before us. This is no exception, and I found it insightful into the life of the Prophet and the Muslim faith, especially with both being so maligned.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book / Quran:

In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alteand day; in the sailing of the hsops through the ocean for the profit of humankind; in the rain that God sends down from the skies, and the life with He then gives to the earth after it had been lifeless; in the beasts of all kind that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds that run their appointed courses between the sky and the earth; [here[ indeed are signs for a people who are wise.

"You will not be able to guide [toward faith:] everyone whom you love; but God guides those whom He will, and He knows best those who receive guidance."

"To you be your religion, and to me mine."

Overall, wonderful reflections and meditations on living a life of charity, equality, companionship, worship, and prayer.

I'm also particularly delighted to hear that Muhammad was fond of cats.

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tariq Ramadan paints a thoughtful, careful picture of the Prophet (pbuh) in this biography. As stated in the beautiful introduction, this is not intended to contain all of the information about the Prophet (pbuh). Rather, the intent of the author is to highlight certain events in the life of the Prophet (pbuh) that illustrate his character, beliefs and ethics. This biography is timely, reminding both Muslims and non-Muslims of the forbearance, peacefulness and gentleness of the Beloved of God (pbuh) in a time when hardliners and crazies seem to be coming out of the woodwork and stealing the soptlight every single time.

Ramadan takes the time & space to look into the intentions behind the actions of the Prophet (pbuh). The book isn't as complete as Martin Lings' wonderful biography, but it's far more accessible. With Ramadan, we learn not only what the Prophet (pbuh) did, or what happened to him, but we're also invited to think about why he behaved the way he did. Thus he asserts, in a very balanced way, that it is not enough to have knowledge; the ability to derive wisdom from knowledge is what actually renders it precious.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know a lot of other people loved this book so take my comments with a grain of salt...I just wasn't too impressed, and still greatly prefer to read "Muhammad" by Martin Lings. But I think for non-Muslims this is a very good, clear book that's a great introduction to someone not as familiar with the Prophet Muhammad's life, peace be upon him

[20th Century Anglo Nomad · Rating 2 out of 5]

For Christians the story of Jesus amounts to more than just the facts. The same is true for Buddhists of the Buddha, and Muslims of Mohammed. Believers affirm the uniqueness of the lives of their founders as proof that his way is divine, or in the case of Buddhists enlightened. But in their ardor to be worthy followers, they burnish the founder's image to such a degree that he is no longer interesting. There is no drama in his life because the founder is incapable of error. If he does err he does so only marginally and only so it can be shown what a humble and down-to-earth person he really was. The outcome, though, is never in doubt.

If this is the kind of treatment of Mohammed you are looking for, then you won't be disappointed by Tariq Rammadan's "In the Footsteps of the Prophet." The great value I see in this approach is to make non-Muslims familiar with the ways in which Muslims understand the story of their founder. Those looking for something meatier are likely to be disappointed by Ramadan's sentimental hagiography, similar to what you might find in the Islamic equivalent of Sunday Bible School lessons.

To alleviate the tediousness of the story I found myself halfway through looking for alternate lessons, different ways of interpreting Mohammed's life. The prophet is said to have respect for animals, saving a litter of puppies, but engages in animal sacrifice. The prophet has respect for the religious practices of others, but goes about smashing the art of unbelievers and blackmailing his adversaries into converting to Islam. He preaches love and forbearance, but orders the execution of 600 captives. He abhors slavery, but on capturing a city doles out the women as loot to his army.

Perhaps the greatest lesson from Mohammed's life is that if you want to unite disparate illiterate tribes into a state, you need a charismatic leader with a unifying theme.

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[Ruba AlTurki · Rating 5 out of 5]

المراجعة قريبا إن شاء الله,وحتى ذلك الحين لا تفوتوا فرصة قراءته فهو غاية في الروعة وأكثر من ذلك, إنه كتابي المفضل الجديد :)

بالرغم من إنتقاد البعض لإختياري هذا الكتاب كـ كتابي المفضل الجديد وذلك لتحفظاتهم الشخصية على الكاتب، إلاأن ذلك لم يغير شيئاًفلايزال كتابي المفضل الجديد.. بغض النظر عن الكاتب أنا أقرأ الكتاب وليس الكاتب بل وغالباً ما أجهل إسم الكاتب عند اقتنائي لاي كتاب. قد يكون للكاتب تأثير أحياناً على موضوعية البحث أو تحيّزه لرأي أو توجه معيّن لكن من الصعب أن يكون لك اهداف تغرسها "بين السطور" حين تتكلم عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، هذا الكتاب من أرقّ وأمتع الكتب التي مررت عليها منذ سنوات، ممتع لدرجة لاتوصف وتسلسله جميل، أسلوبه قريب من القلب كان من الصعب فعلاً أن أتوقف عن القراءة وأدعه لليوم التالي. من محاسن الصدف أن الكتاب كان من مجموعة القراءة الرمضانية ، وقد أعود إليه وقت آخر إن شاء الله لتكون مراجعتي تفصيلية أكثر.. فأنا أكتب االمراجعة الآن بعد 6 أشهر من قراءته للأسف.. التأجيل أمر سيء جدا

[asra · Rating 4 out of 5]

While based on traditional sources, this isn't your typical biography of Muhammad. It differs in that Ramadan often comments on the prophet's spiritual motivations. This is an absolutely refreshing angle. For example, the way Ramadan speaks of the prophet's proximity to nature (eg: the cave, the desert, trees, animals, etc.) reveals the absolute necessity of observing, understanding, respecting, and appreciating nature as an avenue towards knowing God and drawing closer to Him -- before the revelation of the Qur'an, nature and its phenomena were the "signs" (ayat if you will) that God used to manifest Himself to Muhammad. This perspective alone makes the biography priceless.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This simply told tale of the Prophet of Islam is beautiful to read and easy to understand. Instructive and educational, and evocative in its ability to penetrate the motivations and personality of Mohammed, it takes the reader on an emotional journey, if not a spiritual one, in which we can feel we begin to understand an outstanding person, and the lessons of humility and wisdom which made him such an example that his message spread to the world. No need to be a moslem to feel you can gain something valuable and meaningful by reading the life story of such an exemplary person.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second reading of this book brought me even more joy and insight than the first. I deeply appreciate Ramadan's attention to equality, freedom, reason, and love throughout the life of the Prophet (PBUH). I recommend this book for personal and small group use and especially for multifaith/interfaith groups that seek greater understanding and appreciation of each other's faith traditions. Ramadan treats many of the "difficult" texts and hadith (traditions passed down of the life of the Prophet [PBUH]) that are used to justify inequality, intolerance, and war. Particularly important, given contemporary events and uses of the term, are how Tariq Ramadan gives context and greater meaning to shura (consultation - democracy is one way of practicing shura) and jihad. One of Tariq Ramadan's finest and most accessible works, and required reading for people committed to living in a peaceful pluralist world.

[Arief Bakhtiar D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

CERITA-CERITA LAMA YANG MENGGUGAH KITA

TARIQ Ramadan tak punya pretensi berlebihan ketika menulis biografi Nabi Muhammad yang kemudian diberi judul The Footsteps of the Prophet. Sejak awal, ia menegaskan bahwa bukunya tidak ditulis untuk menyaingi buku-buku sejarah klasik tentang Nabi seperti yang ditulis Ibnu Ishaq atau Ibnu Hisham. Tariq juga menyatakan bahwa ia tak bermaksud menyediakan ruang yang akan menunjukkan pada kita, yang mungkin berharap, suatu interpretasi baru yang revolusioner tentang sejarah Nabi dan konteksnya.

Tariq lebih melihat The Footsteps of the Prophet sebagai satu upaya untuk mengamati kembali kepribadian Nabi, dan apa yang bisa dipelajari dari situ dalam situasi di zaman ini.

Maka, ketimbang mengunggulkan prestasi-prestasi Nabi yang luar biasa, perang-perang terkenal dalam sejarah perkembangan Islam, atau detail-detail fakta sejarah, The Footsteps of the Prophet lebih menggarisbawahi isu-isu kontroversial di Barat, seperti peran perempuan, perlakuan terhadap orang-orang miskin, hukuman terhadap para kriminal, perang, rasisme, dan relasi dengan agama lain.

Yang terasa bagi saya, Tariq Ramadan mencatat kembali kehidupan Nabi, tapi bukan semata-mata berhenti di situ. Ia berupaya menghadirkannya dalam situasi sosial masyarakat Islam saat ini. Bukunya berusaha mengingatkan kita bahwa isu-isu sosial yang kita hadapi saat ini tidak jauh berbeda dengan isu-isu sosial yang dihadapi Nabi—ia seperti ingin mengatakan, ke sanalah kita semestinya mencari pedoman.

Saya ambil contoh satu isu mengenai relasi Islam dengan agama lain, yaitu hubungan Nabi Muhammad dengan orang-orang non-muslim di masa itu.

Buku ini memulainya dengan cerita di awal kenabian. Waktu itu Mekkah sedang tidak aman bagi orang-orang yang baru saja memeluk Islam. Mereka minoritas yang dikucilkan, disiksa, diteror, bahkan oleh keluarga/ klan mereka sendiri. Ketika dunia terasa semakin sempit bagi para pemeluk agama baru itu, Nabi Muhammad mengutus puluhan pengikutnya untuk mencari suaka, menyeberangi lautan, ke suatu negeri bernama Habasyah―yang menurut para ahli sejarah meliputi wilayah negara Ethiopia saat ini.

Raja negeri Habasyah, Najasyi, bukan lah seorang pemeluk Islam. Raja Najasyi memeluk Nasrani, dan mayoritas rakyat negeri itu mengikuti ajaran Jesus. Tapi Nabi Muhammad percaya bahwa raja negeri itu adalah raja yang memerintah secara adil. Ke sana lah tempat yang aman bagi para minoritas muslim untuk mencari perlindungan.

Dan itulah yang terjadi: Raja Najasyi menerima permintaan suaka para imigran dari Mekkah dan bersedia melindungi mereka semua, meskipun para imigran beragama Islam dan sang raja tidak mengenal Muhammad. Raja Najasyi bahkan menolak permintaan utusan pemimpin Arab yang membawa banyak hadiah dan meminta Raja Najasyi agar bersedia mengembalikan para imigran itu ke Mekkah.

Cerita itu menjadi penanda yang penting mengenai cara bersikap ketika orang muslim hidup bersosial dengan orang-orang non-muslim. Umumnya orang tak mau mengakui secara terbuka bahwa seringkali ada ketegangan di sana. Pertanyaan yang sering muncul adalah apakah orang-orang non-muslim dengan sengaja selalu berbuat sesuatu untuk menghambat perkembangan Islam. Jawabannya tentu tak cuma satu.

Sebab itu, kita agaknya memang perlu untuk diingatkan bahwa, dari cerita Nabi yang mengutus puluhan pengikutnya untuk mencari suaka ke negeri yang dipimpin oleh seorang non-muslim, prasangka buruk terhadap orang-orang non-muslim bukan jawaban yang dicontohkan Nabi.

Tak ada pendekatan baru terhadap sejarah di sini. Kita ingat para pelindung Nabi di Mekkah. Di kota itu, Nabi Muhammad diberi jaminan perlindungan dari pamannya, seorang non-muslim, Abu Thalib. Tidak lama setelah Abu Thalib meninggal, Nabi keluar dari Mekkah dan menyingkir ke Thaif. Setelah kegagalan menyebarkan Islam di Thaif, Nabi Muhammad berusaha kembali memasuki Mekkah. Tapi tentu saja ia membutuhkan jaminan seorang pemuka klan/ suku. Setelah menghubungi beberapa pemuka klan, seorang pemuka klan non-muslim bernama Mutim akhirnya bersedia menjadi pelindung Nabi Muhammad. Dalam perkembangannya, setelah kematian Mutim, para pemuka Quraisy segera merencanakan pembunuhan terhadap Nabi Muhammad yang sudah tidak berada di bawah perlindungan pemuka klan mana pun.

Harus pula saya tambahkan: dalam pelariannya melintasi gurun menuju ke Madinah, Nabi Muhammad dan Abu Bakar dibantu oleh seorang penunjuk arah, lagi-lagi non-muslim, bernama Abdullah bin Urayqat. Dengan bantuan kemampuan sang penunjuk arah, mereka berdua berhasil melarikan diri dengan mengelabui para pengejarnya.

Tentu, sejarah yang menggugah bukan melulu cerita-cerita yang membuat kita berbahagia. Kita tidak suka penderitaan dan pengorbanan semacam itu terjadi pada Nabi kita―diancam, dihina, diteror, dipaksa meninggalkan tanah air. Tapi yang tragis, mungkin yang paling tragis, adalah ketika kita seakan-akan lupa makna-makna cerita itu. Sementara kita tahu bahwa manusia tidak bisa membangun dunia dari prasangka yang keliru.

[susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written biography of the Prophet (PBUH) of Islam.

I don't know quite how to describe the tone of the author - sad, reflective, pensive - but it is one of the most beautiful biographies I have ever read. I've been told that when the Quran is read in Arabic it has a tone that is of this nature.

The most useful aspect of the narrative is in how he links various revelations in the Quran to the events in the Prophet's life. I certainly have a new appreciation for certain passages, now that I understand their context. This book is very readable and very approachable; no previous knowledge of Islam is necessary to appreciate this book to its deepest of levels.

[Shaimaa Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is a real Masterpiece!!
Not only Ramadan managed to illustrate Prophet Muhammad's life in a page-turning book, but he also did commented on certain events with words of wisdom that reflected his deep understanding. For me reading lots of books in Arabic & by lots of famous writers & learning 'Sirah" through my whole life, I was thinking what new this book will bring? ..but it did brought me sincerity, spirtualit and even more .. His writing was amazing, it really reflects his love & his profound insights into prophet Muhammad's life ...

A highly recommended read for Muslims & Non-muslims alike, but the style & writing is dedicated more for the non-muslim reader .. Which is really needed. Comparing this book to a short introductory to Islam by Sayyed Huessen Nasr, Nasr book was full of Arabic words & lots of notes that would distract foreign reader, while Ramadan's style was flawless & easy to follow, as if I was reading it in Arabic!

طبت حيا وطبت ميتا سيدى يا رسول الله

[Halah · Rating 5 out of 5]

هو بالأساس كتاب أجنبي نقله إلى العربية: د.زهير السمهوري. لا يحكي سيرة النبي عليه الصلاة و السلام بالتفصيل، إنما هو عبارة عن دروس من حياة النبي محمد عليه الصلاة و السلام موجهه للمسلمين و غير المسلمين. الكتاب بشكل عام رائع جدًا جدًا. بأبي و أمي يا رسول الله! اللهم أجمعني بحبيبك عليه الصلاة و السلام في الفردوس الأعلى، اللهم آمين!

[Ayesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read compared to most books like these, but as you study the seerah in depth, you're left feeling unsatisfied by this book. Perhaps my error was to read it at the same time as studying. It serves well as an introduction and I love the way Ramadan writes, but if your intention is to learn seerah, then would recommend additional sources. I will try his other works. There are some very beautiful passages in this book and I have been brought to tears many times. The conclusions Ramadan draws are worth pondering upon and bring the seerah to life. It is very beautifully described and not bogged down with details so I can see myself re-visiting this book every few years to re-connect with the seerah after my in-depth studies, Insha'Allah.

I would recommend the book for Ramadan's unique style but also advise the use of additional sources to study the seerah in depth.

[Ibrahim Abdulla · Rating 3 out of 5]

لا يوجد في الكتاب بحوث جديدة أو نظرة مختلفة لسيرة الرسول الكريم تعتمد على مصادر مختلفة وما شابه، بل اعتمد بشكل رئيسي على مصدر كلاسيكي واحد تقريبًا (سيرة ابن هشام)، وقُدمت فصول الكتاب قصيرةً ومُكثفةً. الكتاب موجه للمسلمين الغربيين ولغير المسلمين بالدرجة الأولى، لكن ما يميزه بالنسبة لي هو أنه سرد سلس لأهم أحداث السيرة بشكل مُختصر وواضح، بالإضافة إلى مزج هذا السرد التاريخي بتأملات ذاتية وتعليقات تُركز على التربية الروحية، والدروس المُستفادة من بشريّة الرسول ونبوتِه في نفس الوقت. أحد أهم هذه "الدروس" التي ركّز عليها طارق رمضان كثيرًا هو: التواضع. التواضع الإنساني الذي كسبه الرسول منذ نعومة أظفاره من خلال الظروف الصعبة التي مرّ بها، والتواضع أمام العلم الإلهي في أسئلة اليهود للرسول وتنزّل آيات سورة الكهف، بل والتواضع أمام البشر وعدم إصدار الأحكام جُزافاً عليهم مثلما نتعلم من إسلام عمر.

[Husam · Rating 4 out of 5]

دائماً ما يجول بخاطري سؤال عن من يعيش خارج البلاد في أوروبا مثلا، كيف يبني هؤلاء الآباء المراقبة الذاتية في أبناءهم و هم في مجتمع متحرر، و نحن هنا لم نستطع أن نفعل ذلك إلا في ما ندر!! هذا التساؤل دفعني لقراءة هذا الكتاب حيث أن مؤلفه يعيش هناك و كتبه باللغة الانجليزية فقلت لابد انه يعرف الطريقة والأسلوب التي يصل بها لمن هم لا يدينون بالإسلام أو الأبناء الذين يعيشون في مجتمع متحرر لا يدرسون السيرة ولا يعرفون الكثير عن جوانبها، فوجدت في هذا الكتاب سلاسة في السرد بأسلوب جميل يلامس المشاعر بدون التقعر في المصطلحات.. جميل انصح به.

[Fuad Syazwan Ramli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jika dilihat pada fakta sejarah, tiada yang baru dalam buku ini melainkan fakta-fakta dan kisah-kisah klise yang kita pelajari sejak dari tadika lagi.

Kekuatan buku ini bukanlah pada perincian fakta sejarah, melainkan pada huraian pengajaran yang boleh diambil dari kehidupan Nabi Muhammad SAW dan manusia di sekelilingnya, tidak kira keluarga, Sahabat, atau musuh.

Dengan bahasa yang mudah dan boleh dikatakan ringan, Tariq Ramadan menghuraikan peristiwa yang berlaku dengan penuh menarik dan pengajaran terbesar yang boleh diambil adalah: Nabi Muhammad SAW adalah seorang manusia.

Adalah sangat penting untuk kita mengakui hakikat bahawa Nabi Muhammad adalah seorang manusia. Sudah jelas dinyatakan di dalam al-Quran bahawa yang membawa wahyu terakhir, penutup segala risalah kenabian ini bukanlah seorang malaikat, melainkan seorang manusia yang berjalan bersama-sama umatnya.

Tariq Ramadan mengingatkan kita aspek-aspek kemanusiaan pada diri Nabi Muhammad yang boleh kita ambil pengajaran dan jadikan sebagai suri tauladan dalam kehidupan kita sendiri. Mengakui kemanusiaan Nabi Muhammad menjadikan kita lebih dekat untuk mencontohi Nabi kerana wujudnya kemungkinan untuk kita mencontohi Baginda dalam menghadapi kehidupan.

Tanpa pengakuan ini mungkin kita akan mengambil mudah apa yang dibuat oleh Nabi kerana pada sangkaan kita, sudah tentu Baginda berbuat sedemikian sementelah dia seorang Nabi ma'sum. Sebenarnya bukan setakat itu. Dengan mengakui kemanusiaan Baginda, kita menghargai betapa walaupun Baginda dipilih untuk membawa risalah kenabian, itu tidaklah bermakna Baginda terlepas dari dugaan dan sifat lemah seorang manusia. Sebagai manusia, Baginda diuji pula sebagaimana layaknya seorang manusia. Diuji dengan kesusahan, diuji dengan fitnah, diuji dengan cemuhan dan diuji juga dengan kesedihan. Semua inilah yang sentiasa menanti kita di setiap persimpangan kehidupan yang kita lalui. Dan sebagai seorang manusia, yang sama seperti Muhammad, kita boleh mengutip pengajaran yang ditinggalkan Baginda kepada kita. Baik melalui kata-kata, baik melalui ikrar, baik melalui perbuatan. Semuanya mutiara yang boleh kita guna buat menghiasi diri kita pula.

Dan sebagaimana buku-buku sirah yang lain, sudah tentu buku ini juga tidak terlepas dari beberapa kisah yang mungkin masih diperbahas oleh pakar sejarah. Jadi sebagai langkah berjaga-jaga, bacalah buku ini dengan merujuk juga buku-buku sejarah yang lain, supaya kita tidak terbatas pada susunan abjad buku ini sahaja.

[Lubna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I have been giving an awful lot of 5 stars out lately but really, I have been reading such great stuff. This is a great analysis of the life of the Prophet - its not a traditional biography but rather it goes over the events in the Prophet's life and derives various ethical and moral lessons from his experiences. Its a great introduction to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for both non-Muslims seeking to learn more about Islam and Muslim's seeking greater understanding of their faith. Highly recommend it to all.

[Ade Bailey]

I like it so far. It is written in short chapters. The history is from classical sources, orthodox, and a space is given for reflection in each section. Ramadan writes well, and his expressive form carries the sense (I mean sense in the sense of sense, bodily incorporation) of what I find has often been expressed in a castrated form, such as, for instance, the idea of submission.

[Muhamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This must be one of the better books on the history of early years of Islam and the life of the Prophet. What makes it unique is that it includes many teachings and saying of him too and it's not merely a narration of life events. This adds life to the book and gives a taste of prophet's character too. I truly like this book for this reason. Like many other books it did disappoint me with regards to neglect of the role of Ali especially in the event of prophet's speech in their farewell hajj pilgrimage. But I am starting to get used to this as many other new authors are doing the same following a certain sect's view o history. However, this did not stop me from enjoying the book at all and would recommend it to others for sure.

[Farah El Batrawi · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s my second time to read this book. I sort of feel that I have been guided to it by God, as I was visiting Al Madinah and Mecca, and just as I came back, I was unconsciously drawn to it. I believe in these signs and grateful that through this book, I got to understand a bit more of our exemplary Prophet (PBUH).

[Raheel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple Seerah. A joy to read 🙂

[Magda S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nie zliczę, ile tej książki przepłakałam ze wzruszenia, smutku, radości, bólu i wszystkiego pomiędzy. Przepięknie napisana.

[Nabilah M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Ramadan’s book that I ever read and considering his background as the grandson of the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, I have preconceived high expectation on his writing and I am not disappointed a tad at all.

One of the striking differences that this book has offered is that instead of writing narratives or listing down all the important events that had occurred throughout the beloved Prophet Muhammad’s life, he chooses to write dissections of those events. In another word, this is a very reflective book whereby he takes another way of approaching the seerah – he talks about the underlying messages enshrouding each event. For this, I am impressed. For this, this is one of my favourite books that tells about the prophetic life of Prophet Muhammad.

Prophet Muhammad as some books have falsely allegedly portrayed him as feeble and wrongly gave the idea that he wasn't an idealist. However, this book sheds another light in which I believe that’s how Prophet Muhammad’s life should be viewed, by not merely literally taking into account his life without considering the hidden messages of his so-called unconventional method. For instance, Ramadan’s portrayal of Prophet Muhammad as an excellent murabbi (teacher) who used paradoxical statements and invoked questions that stimulated his companions’ criticality and went beyond mere blind obedience.

Again and again Rasulullah reminded his companions:do we seek wealth in this world or peace in the hereafter? As such, us remain human beings, with weaknesses n temptations, we need reminders, spiritual education and patience. Additionally, the blending of sorrow and joy reminded us of the fragility of life and of our relationship to the One. Nothing was ever acquired to last.

Thus, these are the footsteps of Rasulullah. This is how we should have viewed the seerah – to walk in the shoes of Rasulullah.

[Serene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps me giving this book 3 stars has more to do with my expectations than with the book itself. I prefer writers on the life of the Prophet to take one of two approaches: either relate his life simply and directly, with only enough analysis to explain the background and significance of events to a modern audience (my favorite in this field is still Martin Lings _Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources_), or to make the analysis the focus of the book and not try to stick to a chronological telling. Ramadan takes a middle road, relating the biography chronologically but frequently interjecting with his interpretation of events, which I found jarring and repetitive. On the one hand, it was hard to immerse myself in the story. On the other hand, I was reading the book for mainly for Ramadan's analysis and found I had to skim through event descriptions to get to his interpretations. Perhaps someone coming to the biography for the first time wouldn't have such problems, but I think lots of analysis isn't too good for the first-time reader either.

Now all that said, I did enjoy Ramadan's insights. He focuses particularly on issues relevant to modern Muslims living in the West -- the Prophet's dealings with non-Muslims, his practice of "shura" (analogous to democracy), his notes on the Prophet's spiritual relationship with God. They made the book worth reading. It would have been nicer, though, if he'd organized the book on the points he wanted to make rather than chronology.

[Mehwish · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In the hours of dawn when the book was written, there was silence, meditative solitude, and the experience of a journey, beyond time and space, toward the heart, the essence of spiritual quest, and initiation into meaning, Moments of plenitude, and often of tears; of contemplation and vulnerability. I needed this.” – Tariq Ramadan

I needed this too. I found that the best time to read the book was when it was written – in the early hours of dawn. The silence and peace helped me contemplate and face my own fears. The dried up tears on the pages of this book provide a testimony to my inner struggle and outer gratitude. I was able to retreat into the deepest part of my heart.

This book is a spiritual journey cutting through time and space and gently providing a platform to stand on and witness the most epic unfolding of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Humility, love, affection, firmness, gentleness, righteousness, justice, forgiveness, sincerity, honesty, truthfulness, politeness, patience, tolerance, generosity, kindness, compassion, cooperation, modesty, humbleness are but a few noble characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who through his teachings and life set an example for humanity to follow.

A must read for Muslims and Non-Muslims who desire to understand the early days of Islam and the exemplary life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tariq Ramadan’s “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons form the Life of Muhammad” is a discussion of events in the life of the Messenger of God. Comparisons can be made to other Prophets in the Abrahamic faiths and those of other cultures. Ramadan points out that Muhammad was kind, gentle and patient. He forgave his enemies and laid down rules to be followed by Muslims. The author does not make any mention the current factions within Islam. However, reading this work with general background knowledge of various claims by allegedly religious sects one can see the disparity between ‘faith’ and action. The book is written in short chapters that concentrate on various events in the Prophet’s life while intermixing history and philosophy to provide a context to Muhammad’s actions and ‘sayings’. In his conclusion, Ramadan notes Muhammad had the ‘freedom of a being who loves justice and does not allow himself to be entrapped by passions springing from his race, nation, or identity.’ It is unfortunate that, as with most religions, a small group have hijacked the name and warped the message by picking and choosing phrases to support their parochial views. If you are interested in some of the differing views within Islam I recommend “The Great Theft” by Khaled Abou El Fadl and “Heart of Islam” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr.

[Emina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have never read the seerah of the prophet and are intending to read one to understand what kind of a person he was, this is the book for you. If you have read other seerahs' then you will really appreciate the style of this book due to its beautiful descriptions, essential and analytical notes and comments articulated through the most poetic flow of words, and last but not least; the inevitable feeling and realizations within yourself that this book brings to the table. I thought I knew the prophet by now. I knew I loved, respected and followed him. But this book reaches beyond those feelings and thoughts as mere aspirations and simple efforts. It made me weep, smile and feel his struggles and psycological battles. Tariq ramadan has by no means rejected or ignored any fact nor has he fabricated any scenarios, but it is most clear that the author has put his heart and soul into this book and wrote out of love about his love. I could feel every word. For sure my fav so far. So what are you waiting for?

[Jehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a refreshing account of the life the Prophet (SAW). I was hoping for a more intimate account of his daily life though, however, there were some lovely anecdotes that inspired so much awe. For example, the way he treated his wives, his love for animals, and his excellent skills as a leader and negotiator.

The last few paragraphs, which details the Prophet's last concerns for the future Ummah, were especially poignant. His primary concern was that people will fall for the riches of this world (and indeed they have). That had me reflecting for a while after completing this book; in fact, I still ponder about it.

Throughout this book, I found myself questioning and trying to be a better person as a result of the events related in The Messenger.

Tariq Ramadan is a master at creating Islamic conversation for an audience that is intrinsically more modern, liberal, open-minded and critical of everything, not just religion.