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Muhammad
Muhammad
is
the messenger of Islam.
Born in Mecca in the year 570, Muhammad grew into a sensitive and thoughtful man who believed deeply in the worship of one true god.
In his fortieth year, Muhammad experienced a revelation from the angel Gabriel that he, Muhammad, was the messenger of God. Over the next twenty-three years, he received many such revelations, all of which were written down by scribes at the time of revelation to become the Koran, the sacred scripture of Islam, a religion that is practiced by nearly one-quarter of the world's population and holds as its most sacred tenet that there is no god but God.
Through a clear text and stunning illustrations based upon those of traditional Islamic expression, the award-winning artist Demi here introduces the remarkable life of the Prophet Muhammad for young readers.
is
the messenger of Islam.
Born in Mecca in the year 570, Muhammad grew into a sensitive and thoughtful man who believed deeply in the worship of one true god.
In his fortieth year, Muhammad experienced a revelation from the angel Gabriel that he, Muhammad, was the messenger of God. Over the next twenty-three years, he received many such revelations, all of which were written down by scribes at the time of revelation to become the Koran, the sacred scripture of Islam, a religion that is practiced by nearly one-quarter of the world's population and holds as its most sacred tenet that there is no god but God.
Through a clear text and stunning illustrations based upon those of traditional Islamic expression, the award-winning artist Demi here introduces the remarkable life of the Prophet Muhammad for young readers.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2003
3 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Demi
178 books179 followersDemi (September 2, 1942) born Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt, is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. During her career she has published over 300 titles.
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 30, 2024
Muhammad (2003) has author/illustrator Demi provide a lushly illustrated picture book biography on the prophet Muhammad, nothing more, nothing less, very informative and with Muhammad commencing at Muhammad’s birth, ending at his death and describing the major aspects of his life both as a family man and equally so as a political and religious leader (and Demi's text for Muhammad also including numerous quotes from the Qur’an). But albeit I certainly have been enlightened with and by Muhammad, I do personally speaking most definitely have a bit of a problem with how basically all the information textually being featured by Demi in Muhammad is depicted and shown as being fact, as being the truth and nothing but the truth. For indeed and in my humble opinion, especially when Demi is writing in Muhammad regarding how in Islam, Muhammad is considered like Abraham, Jacob, Noah etc. and also like Jesus Christ to be a prophet, well, especially that part in Muhammad regarding Jesus should really be prefaced by Demi with “Muslims believe” since Christians do not in fact consider Jesus Christ to be merely a prophet, but rather the son of God, and as such pretty much the same as and equal to God/Allah (something that I do think Demi should be pointing out in Muhammad and that she failing to do so makes Muhammad potentially problematic).
Furthermore, while Demi's presented text for Muhammad is likely sufficiently engaging and interesting for young readers with some basic prior knowledge of Islam and Muhammad (and that the added bibliographical list of both text and art references is certainly very much appreciated by my older adult reading self), sorry, but in particular my so-called inner child of around eight to ten years of age (with no knowledge at all about Muhammad except that he existed and is the main prophet in Islam), she finds Muhammad both draggingly dry and also more than a trifle verbally overwhelming and to the point that she really tends to find Muhammad not really all that readable and only truly enjoys Demi's accompanying artwork without reservations (with Demi's pictures for Muhammad being visually delightful, colourful, doing a wonderful visual job mirroring the printed words and that I also do majorly appreciate that the artwork for Muhammad adheres to the Muslim mandate that no pictures of Muhammad should be shown, so that when in Muhammad Muhammad is depicted as a person, Demi aesthetically presents him as a golden shadow like image without any type of physical features, a bit visually strange at first perhaps, but something I do find nicely respectful and as such also laudable).
And finally, just to point out that while my adult reading self considers Muhammad generally a four star book, my issue with Demi textually showing both Jesus Christ and Muhammad as prophets (and seemingly also kind of agreeing with this as well instead of pointing out that Islam and Christianity in fact very strongly differ here) and that my inner child definitely finds Muhammad dry, dragging and not all that narrationally engaging, yes indeed, my final rating for Muhammad cannot and will not be higher than three stars (and that said three stars should also be considered a pretty generous rating on my part).
Furthermore, while Demi's presented text for Muhammad is likely sufficiently engaging and interesting for young readers with some basic prior knowledge of Islam and Muhammad (and that the added bibliographical list of both text and art references is certainly very much appreciated by my older adult reading self), sorry, but in particular my so-called inner child of around eight to ten years of age (with no knowledge at all about Muhammad except that he existed and is the main prophet in Islam), she finds Muhammad both draggingly dry and also more than a trifle verbally overwhelming and to the point that she really tends to find Muhammad not really all that readable and only truly enjoys Demi's accompanying artwork without reservations (with Demi's pictures for Muhammad being visually delightful, colourful, doing a wonderful visual job mirroring the printed words and that I also do majorly appreciate that the artwork for Muhammad adheres to the Muslim mandate that no pictures of Muhammad should be shown, so that when in Muhammad Muhammad is depicted as a person, Demi aesthetically presents him as a golden shadow like image without any type of physical features, a bit visually strange at first perhaps, but something I do find nicely respectful and as such also laudable).
And finally, just to point out that while my adult reading self considers Muhammad generally a four star book, my issue with Demi textually showing both Jesus Christ and Muhammad as prophets (and seemingly also kind of agreeing with this as well instead of pointing out that Islam and Christianity in fact very strongly differ here) and that my inner child definitely finds Muhammad dry, dragging and not all that narrationally engaging, yes indeed, my final rating for Muhammad cannot and will not be higher than three stars (and that said three stars should also be considered a pretty generous rating on my part).
July 26, 2010
MIDDLE EAST BOOK AWARD WINNER (2004)
Format: Picture book
Age level: Upper elementary / middle school
Protagonist: Nonfiction
Review:
This is a picture book biography of the prophet Muhammad. It gives information about his birth, his early life, his spread of Islam, and his death. In keeping with Islamic tradtion, neither Muhammad nor his family are directly pictured. Instead, Muhammad is merely drawn as a faceless shadow / outline.
There is a foreward that gives readers some additional information about the book they are about to read. It explains why Muhammad is not actually drawn and what artistic tradition Demi uses in his illustrations. It's a helpful way to prepare non-Muslim students, especially, to hear the story.
In addition, there is a paragraph at the end of the book giving a little more information about Islam itself. A map of the important locations in Muhammad's life is included on the following page.
I thought this book did a pretty good job summarizing the many events in Muhammad's life. It let the story know a little bit about his parents and how he was raised. The reader learns what Muhammad was like as a man and how he became respected. It also briefly mentions Muhammad's wife and kids briefly.
One aspect I really appreciated was the portrayal of Christians and Jews. They were not set up as "bad guys" or as "infidels." They were acknowledged as having tolerant followers, even though there was also a combative group who felt threatended by Muhammad's teaching.
I didn't agree with how some other parts of Muhammad's story were portrayed. A part in his life with no witnesses or artifacts to support it (his brief ascension into Heaven) was depicted as fact. There was a brief section where I felt the author was setting up Islam as being superior to Christianity and Judaism because it acknowledges the two religions in the Koran. Finally, the final line of the entire book tells how one becomes a Muslim. If this is meant to be Muhammad's biography, then I feel how to convert to Islam should be left to other books.
Overall, I think this book gives a thorough overview of Muhammad's life while being relatively impartial. The few parts metnioned above, however, should be realized by teachers before sharing aloud in a classroom.
Obviously, this book would tie into world religions as well as biograhies. If used within a unit on Islam, the book Muslim Festivals Throughout the Year would be an appropriate companion book.
Format: Picture book
Age level: Upper elementary / middle school
Protagonist: Nonfiction
Review:
This is a picture book biography of the prophet Muhammad. It gives information about his birth, his early life, his spread of Islam, and his death. In keeping with Islamic tradtion, neither Muhammad nor his family are directly pictured. Instead, Muhammad is merely drawn as a faceless shadow / outline.
There is a foreward that gives readers some additional information about the book they are about to read. It explains why Muhammad is not actually drawn and what artistic tradition Demi uses in his illustrations. It's a helpful way to prepare non-Muslim students, especially, to hear the story.
In addition, there is a paragraph at the end of the book giving a little more information about Islam itself. A map of the important locations in Muhammad's life is included on the following page.
I thought this book did a pretty good job summarizing the many events in Muhammad's life. It let the story know a little bit about his parents and how he was raised. The reader learns what Muhammad was like as a man and how he became respected. It also briefly mentions Muhammad's wife and kids briefly.
One aspect I really appreciated was the portrayal of Christians and Jews. They were not set up as "bad guys" or as "infidels." They were acknowledged as having tolerant followers, even though there was also a combative group who felt threatended by Muhammad's teaching.
I didn't agree with how some other parts of Muhammad's story were portrayed. A part in his life with no witnesses or artifacts to support it (his brief ascension into Heaven) was depicted as fact. There was a brief section where I felt the author was setting up Islam as being superior to Christianity and Judaism because it acknowledges the two religions in the Koran. Finally, the final line of the entire book tells how one becomes a Muslim. If this is meant to be Muhammad's biography, then I feel how to convert to Islam should be left to other books.
Overall, I think this book gives a thorough overview of Muhammad's life while being relatively impartial. The few parts metnioned above, however, should be realized by teachers before sharing aloud in a classroom.
Obviously, this book would tie into world religions as well as biograhies. If used within a unit on Islam, the book Muslim Festivals Throughout the Year would be an appropriate companion book.
April 30, 2017
A foreword to this book states that it's the first biography of the Prophet Muhammad for children. It couldn't have been written by a better author. Demi has followed Islamic tradition by illustrating this book without depicting the Prophet Muhammad and his family. Instead, where one of them appears, there is a golden silhouette instead. The biography describes his birth, boyhood, marriage to Khadijah, his encounter with the angel Gabriel, who gave his the first verses of the Koran, and his subsequent life as a prophet and leader of the Islamic people. I especially like the story of hiding in the cave, where a spider wove its web across the opening and a dove made its nest nearby. When the Quraysh came to look for Muhammad and his friend Abu Bakr, they dismissed the cave as being an unlikely hiding place because the dove and the spider's web were undisturbed. Great story!
One thing I did find puzzling, however. Demi writes that true believers of Islam were to treat women with kindness. So why is there so much mistreatment of women (honor killings, repression, beatings) amongst some of the people in Islamic countries? It must be just like with Christianity--just because you say you're Christian and make an outward show of it, performing the rituals, doesn't always mean that you act like it. Human nature.
Anyway, for a basic understanding of the Prophet Muhammad and his teachings, this is the book to read. Highly recommended!
One thing I did find puzzling, however. Demi writes that true believers of Islam were to treat women with kindness. So why is there so much mistreatment of women (honor killings, repression, beatings) amongst some of the people in Islamic countries? It must be just like with Christianity--just because you say you're Christian and make an outward show of it, performing the rituals, doesn't always mean that you act like it. Human nature.
Anyway, for a basic understanding of the Prophet Muhammad and his teachings, this is the book to read. Highly recommended!
June 26, 2009
Though this is in the Juvenile non-fiction section, it's a bit more mature and lengthy for younger children. Our girls got bored with it very quickly, so I finished it on my own. The illustrations are fabulous, typical of all Demi's books. The content was informative and interesting to me, although I know there is more to the story that isn't told here. I have been interested in reading books about religion and philosophy lately and this was a good addition to the others.
March 28, 2016
"Muhammad" by Demi; Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2003. Genre: Historical/Religious. Grade Level: 5-9. Lexile Level: 800. Guided Reading Level: T.
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, readers are transported through time to the creation of what is now know as the Islamic religion. With the help of her pictures, the author tells the story of Muhammad. In 570 Muhammad was born and would forever be shrouded in greatness that would change the people of the Middle East and later, the world. As he grew, Muhammad became God's or Allah's messenger on Earth to spread good works and to show people how they should live their lives with love and not hate. In a world filled with many warring groups, it became Muhammad's job to unite people and show them that more connects them than divides them. By using the Koran, the author depicts some of the most profound stories that show the reader the main tenants of being a Muslim. Not only does this book describe Islam, it connects to other religions such as Christianity and Judaism which were also founded in the Middle East. By connecting those three religions, the reader can better understand how they connect with one another and what similarities and differences they each contain.
I would use this book in a 9th grade classroom because students in 9th grade Global History study religions especially Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism. One teaching idea that could be used in a 9th grade classroom would be to have the students listen to the book being read aloud to them and have them take notes on which vocabulary words, terms, and phrases they think are important in regards to Islam. Some terms/phrases include Allah, Koran, Mecca, "call to prayer", etc. Students will then have to do research (using websites provided for them) to define their chosen words/phrases and briefly (3-5 sentences) discuss why it is important. This activity would be preformed before the unit on Islam so that the students will have some information to work from as we start the unit. CCSS ELA Literacy-L9-10.6
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, readers are transported through time to the creation of what is now know as the Islamic religion. With the help of her pictures, the author tells the story of Muhammad. In 570 Muhammad was born and would forever be shrouded in greatness that would change the people of the Middle East and later, the world. As he grew, Muhammad became God's or Allah's messenger on Earth to spread good works and to show people how they should live their lives with love and not hate. In a world filled with many warring groups, it became Muhammad's job to unite people and show them that more connects them than divides them. By using the Koran, the author depicts some of the most profound stories that show the reader the main tenants of being a Muslim. Not only does this book describe Islam, it connects to other religions such as Christianity and Judaism which were also founded in the Middle East. By connecting those three religions, the reader can better understand how they connect with one another and what similarities and differences they each contain.
I would use this book in a 9th grade classroom because students in 9th grade Global History study religions especially Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism. One teaching idea that could be used in a 9th grade classroom would be to have the students listen to the book being read aloud to them and have them take notes on which vocabulary words, terms, and phrases they think are important in regards to Islam. Some terms/phrases include Allah, Koran, Mecca, "call to prayer", etc. Students will then have to do research (using websites provided for them) to define their chosen words/phrases and briefly (3-5 sentences) discuss why it is important. This activity would be preformed before the unit on Islam so that the students will have some information to work from as we start the unit. CCSS ELA Literacy-L9-10.6
April 20, 2009
This was a harder read than I was expecting, with good results...I think.
The above four stars is my rating. I really liked reading about Muhammad, who he was (known in his younger years for his truthfulness, trustworthiness and other great characteristics) and his spiritual journey including visits from an angel and revealed information memorized by Muhammad and later written as the Koran. I love the way the artwork is done so that Muhammad is a gold shadow so that he is not an image.
I think I would give it three stars as a read-aloud book which is my own fault because I was not prepared for what came of it. My oldest son and I kept making comments about how similar some of the things that happened to Muhammad and the forming of the religion including persecution of his followers mirrors our own religion.
The middle two kids were listening and asking questions and then they both started saying that they were confused. I could see how this can happen with religious material. Parts of the book are historical and parts are religious. We talked about how Muhammad's visions were between him and God (similar to how Joseph Smith's visions were between him and God and Jesus Christ). The only way to know if they really happened is to have a conversation with God and ask him. We talked about how it is important to know your own religion and have a relationship with God so that you can question him and find things out for yourself.
So, I leave this work with mixed feelings. This book filled in some details for me that I hadn't known before (or hadn't remembered), but the reading to the kids and discussion were stretching and I'm worried that I've left them confused...
We did talk about how Islam doesn't accept Jesus as the Son of God who suffered for our sins and died for us. This is a crucial point. Another crucial point that I may bring up later is Priesthood which isn't a part of Islam but we believe to be essential.
The above four stars is my rating. I really liked reading about Muhammad, who he was (known in his younger years for his truthfulness, trustworthiness and other great characteristics) and his spiritual journey including visits from an angel and revealed information memorized by Muhammad and later written as the Koran. I love the way the artwork is done so that Muhammad is a gold shadow so that he is not an image.
I think I would give it three stars as a read-aloud book which is my own fault because I was not prepared for what came of it. My oldest son and I kept making comments about how similar some of the things that happened to Muhammad and the forming of the religion including persecution of his followers mirrors our own religion.
The middle two kids were listening and asking questions and then they both started saying that they were confused. I could see how this can happen with religious material. Parts of the book are historical and parts are religious. We talked about how Muhammad's visions were between him and God (similar to how Joseph Smith's visions were between him and God and Jesus Christ). The only way to know if they really happened is to have a conversation with God and ask him. We talked about how it is important to know your own religion and have a relationship with God so that you can question him and find things out for yourself.
So, I leave this work with mixed feelings. This book filled in some details for me that I hadn't known before (or hadn't remembered), but the reading to the kids and discussion were stretching and I'm worried that I've left them confused...
We did talk about how Islam doesn't accept Jesus as the Son of God who suffered for our sins and died for us. This is a crucial point. Another crucial point that I may bring up later is Priesthood which isn't a part of Islam but we believe to be essential.
October 13, 2013
Muhammad by Demi (2010)
Genre: Nonfiction, biography
Format: Picture book
Plot summary:An illustrated story about the Prophet Mohammad’s life, drawn in the tradition Islamic style. Mohammad and his family members are not depicted, in tradition with Muslim culture, and while the subject of the work is never depicted, instead of coming off confusing it is reverential.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.)Religious overtones
Review citation (if available): Kristoff, Nicolas, New York Times Book Review; December 21 2003, Vol. 108 Issue 51, p16-16
Section source used to find the material: ALA Booklist for Books on Islam for Kids , Bernadette Simpson (http://www.bernadettesimpson.com/Chil...)
Recommended age: Ages 4-8
Genre: Nonfiction, biography
Format: Picture book
Plot summary:An illustrated story about the Prophet Mohammad’s life, drawn in the tradition Islamic style. Mohammad and his family members are not depicted, in tradition with Muslim culture, and while the subject of the work is never depicted, instead of coming off confusing it is reverential.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.)Religious overtones
Review citation (if available): Kristoff, Nicolas, New York Times Book Review; December 21 2003, Vol. 108 Issue 51, p16-16
Section source used to find the material: ALA Booklist for Books on Islam for Kids , Bernadette Simpson (http://www.bernadettesimpson.com/Chil...)
Recommended age: Ages 4-8
May 27, 2009
Beautifully done biographical text and loved the absolutely gorgeous Persian miniature-inspired illustrations on the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). I found it very interesting that they did respect Muslim culture by not actually depicting the face of the Prophet, but rather just showing him as a gold outlined person. Makes me want to to learn more about him and his family and read the Koran. It is a good introduction to the story of how Islam was started for children grades 3-7.
January 7, 2021
Demi makes some absolutely beautifully illustrated biographies for children, so it is no surprise that there is a biography of Muhammad among them. There were definitely some challenges in making a children's picture book biography of a religious figure about whom there is a prohibition about making any image or representation! This gorgeous book uses a golden silhouette wherever the Prophet would appear in the illustrations, in an attempt to respect this tradition in a picture book! Currently homeschooling, teaching a unit on the Rise of Islam to my littles (currently 6 and 8), it was very helpful to have a picture book biography to which I could refer.
July 4, 2017
This book shows that Muhammad borrowed many of his beliefs straight from Jewish and Christian scripture, but denied the most important doctrine: the Trinity. Plus he reduced Jesus to a mere prophet; instead of recognizing him as the second Person of the Trinity, the Son of God who came in human form to be the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all humanity.
July 20, 2020
This is a good resource for young people. I personally wanted more information on some aspects of the mythical/spiritual part of the story, but as a biography it was well-done.
May 7, 2015
This book was a work of art. Each illustration was truly beautiful. I loved the accents of gold scattered throughout the story book. Also, this book was a truly informative biography of the life of Muhammad. I never know why there was no pictures of Muhammad, until this book where every space there should be Muhammad, there was gold.
I would love to have a discussion with my class about world religions and their origins and how they differ. Hopefully I would have a diverse classroom that would spawn a lot of questioning of other students and relating to one another, even though we're all diverse and different. I could have another lesson on diversity with my class, and explain the Muslim religion and Islam culture. This culture is rich with history and I could talk about many topics with my class.
For a independent read, I would suggest this to a person doing a project on this religion or Muhammad himself. This book is interestingly written, while also being extremely informational. I could also suggest this to a student who was Muslim himself. This would give a student the opportunity to learn more about their religion, because they may not know all about Muhammad's life.
Unfortunately, as far as elements having to do with informational books, there are not very many. However, this book does have a bibliography and so I would take this book to explain what a bibliography is to my students, because especially upper elementary would need to start to know about sources.
I would love to have a discussion with my class about world religions and their origins and how they differ. Hopefully I would have a diverse classroom that would spawn a lot of questioning of other students and relating to one another, even though we're all diverse and different. I could have another lesson on diversity with my class, and explain the Muslim religion and Islam culture. This culture is rich with history and I could talk about many topics with my class.
For a independent read, I would suggest this to a person doing a project on this religion or Muhammad himself. This book is interestingly written, while also being extremely informational. I could also suggest this to a student who was Muslim himself. This would give a student the opportunity to learn more about their religion, because they may not know all about Muhammad's life.
Unfortunately, as far as elements having to do with informational books, there are not very many. However, this book does have a bibliography and so I would take this book to explain what a bibliography is to my students, because especially upper elementary would need to start to know about sources.
July 25, 2010
Muhammad written and illustrated by Demi
42p Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books 2003
Grades 3-6
Demi tells the story of the prophet Muhammad from birth to death and explains the creation of Islam and the Koran. Muhammad’s historical career, meeting with the angel Gabriel, historical journey to heaven, and teachings are all supported by passages from the Koran. The closes with a homily on the Muslim view that God is “All-Compassionate and All-Merciful.” The beautiful illustrations never show Muhammad, as Islamic law states that he may never be depicted. However, he is represented as a silhouette in gold leaf. The illustrations are bright, very detailed, and done in Persian miniature, as explained in the forward. The book has a one-page bibliography that includes a text and art reference.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the beautiful pictures. This book is a wonderful introduction to Islam. It would work well in a unit on Islam and world religions.
42p Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books 2003
Grades 3-6
Demi tells the story of the prophet Muhammad from birth to death and explains the creation of Islam and the Koran. Muhammad’s historical career, meeting with the angel Gabriel, historical journey to heaven, and teachings are all supported by passages from the Koran. The closes with a homily on the Muslim view that God is “All-Compassionate and All-Merciful.” The beautiful illustrations never show Muhammad, as Islamic law states that he may never be depicted. However, he is represented as a silhouette in gold leaf. The illustrations are bright, very detailed, and done in Persian miniature, as explained in the forward. The book has a one-page bibliography that includes a text and art reference.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the beautiful pictures. This book is a wonderful introduction to Islam. It would work well in a unit on Islam and world religions.
April 15, 2012
In this book, Demi tells the story of the Prophet Muhammad (pbu). It begins with his birth, his childhood and then goes into the revelations the Prophet (pbu) had as well as his conversion and the consequences of it. It is a good way to introduce the story of the prophet to young Muslim readers and young readers in general. Not many non-Muslim children know the story of the Prophet (pbu) so its a good short history of Islam. I first thought this was going to be a narrative story, but was a little disappointed that it wasn't, however, I did find it interesting that it was placed in the young children's section where other stories about young children were. I think it's good for young children and adults to be open minded about other religions as well as cultures. Many won't opt to put this book in their child's collection of books, but its a good book to use if one were to introduce Islam to their child. Also, teachers could use this book in their classrooms if they're doing a religion theme in order to ensure comfort for all students in the classrooms.
September 21, 2010
Gorgeous illustrations as usual from Demi. Some details I want to remember from this book:
*The prophet Muhammad is never to appear in pictures to prevent worship of a figure other than God.
*God spoke through the angel Gabriel to Muhammad. In this way, the Koran was written over the period of Muhammad's life as he recited and remembered the words of God through his frequent encounters with the angel.
*Muslims fought more wars to protect their prophet and their beliefs.
*Abraham, Moses, and Jesus are recognized prophets.
*Islam does not acknowledge the holy trinity. They believe in only one God and God alone is worshiped.
*5 pillars of Islam: Bearing Witness, Prayer- 5x a day, almsgiving, fasting during the month of Ramadan, Pilgrimage to Mecca.
*Kabah--"a square structure with a black meteorite set into the lower eastern corner. It is believed that the meteorite had fallen from Heaven as a sign of the first covenant between God and man.
*The prophet Muhammad is never to appear in pictures to prevent worship of a figure other than God.
*God spoke through the angel Gabriel to Muhammad. In this way, the Koran was written over the period of Muhammad's life as he recited and remembered the words of God through his frequent encounters with the angel.
*Muslims fought more wars to protect their prophet and their beliefs.
*Abraham, Moses, and Jesus are recognized prophets.
*Islam does not acknowledge the holy trinity. They believe in only one God and God alone is worshiped.
*5 pillars of Islam: Bearing Witness, Prayer- 5x a day, almsgiving, fasting during the month of Ramadan, Pilgrimage to Mecca.
*Kabah--"a square structure with a black meteorite set into the lower eastern corner. It is believed that the meteorite had fallen from Heaven as a sign of the first covenant between God and man.
July 26, 2010
Ages: 12 and up
"Muhammad" by Demi is an introduction to Muhammad and Islamic theology. The book combines prose, quotes from the Koran, and culturally authentic pictures. Although the book contains many good facts, it seems biased in favor of Islam. For that reason, I might not use it with my students.
The prose is well-written and would probably appeal to high school students interested in exploring the different religions. The art, while authentic, gives the book an older-looking quality that will be a deterrent to potential readers.
This book was researched, and the citations are provided. It would be an excellent first source for a student doing a research project on world religions or Islam.
Christian readers will probably be surprised by the similarities between stories from the Koran and the stories from the Bible.
"Muhammad" by Demi is an introduction to Muhammad and Islamic theology. The book combines prose, quotes from the Koran, and culturally authentic pictures. Although the book contains many good facts, it seems biased in favor of Islam. For that reason, I might not use it with my students.
The prose is well-written and would probably appeal to high school students interested in exploring the different religions. The art, while authentic, gives the book an older-looking quality that will be a deterrent to potential readers.
This book was researched, and the citations are provided. It would be an excellent first source for a student doing a research project on world religions or Islam.
Christian readers will probably be surprised by the similarities between stories from the Koran and the stories from the Bible.
October 25, 2017
The artwork in Demi's books are always so enchanting, and this book is no different. We really enjoyed learning more about the Islamic faith and Muhammad's life.
This book, while interesting, has more religious overtones that I would have liked. Instead of it being more just a story (which it is written as), it felt more like a sermon on Islam. While I think the religion has beautiful beliefs, I felt it went beyond just the passing on of knowledge. Some of the information got tedious and overly descriptive. I would have liked it to be even more simplified.
There are some aspects of Islam that share similarities with Christianity, but also some that contradict. It would be worth it to read through this book first before reading it to your children if you have different beliefs than what this book teaches about.
Overall, a beautiful, informative book.
This book, while interesting, has more religious overtones that I would have liked. Instead of it being more just a story (which it is written as), it felt more like a sermon on Islam. While I think the religion has beautiful beliefs, I felt it went beyond just the passing on of knowledge. Some of the information got tedious and overly descriptive. I would have liked it to be even more simplified.
There are some aspects of Islam that share similarities with Christianity, but also some that contradict. It would be worth it to read through this book first before reading it to your children if you have different beliefs than what this book teaches about.
Overall, a beautiful, informative book.
June 3, 2018
What an exquisite book. Within two pages I was wishing I owned this. Stunning art, and a beautifully simple story that still manages to get the basic idea of Islam across. I was very curious how they would handle the issue of no images of Muhammad, and they did this in the most clever and respectful way. Each image that would be his is just a gorgeous outline of gold. I have read some of the Koran and I own a beautiful copy of it so I was aware that a good deal of what you see in the general public is not faithful to the ideals of true Muslims, but this book really points these things out in a lovely and truthful way. A great book for anyone who loves art and mythology and world religion. Highly recommend.
September 21, 2010
Excellent illustrations, as usual for Demi, incorporates Islamic Art with the geometric designs used throughout the book. Muhammad is portrayed in a silhouette of gold leaf throughout the whole book, as it is against Islamic religion to portray him. As an adult it provided a nice refresher course on the basic of Islam and information on Muhammad's life I hadn't studied since high school. The introduction notes that this is the first biography of Muhammad written for children in a Western language.
July 25, 2008
I had very little knowledge of Islam's beginnings. Children's books are the best way to get your feet wet in a topic, then you can dive into a grown-up book.
I found it fascinating that Muhammad had an angel (Gabriel) visit him, teach him the same information several times in a row, always having Muhammad repeat what he had learned.
Followers of Islam were persecuted harshly by the powerful Jews of the day and were offered shelter by Christians.
I found it fascinating that Muhammad had an angel (Gabriel) visit him, teach him the same information several times in a row, always having Muhammad repeat what he had learned.
Followers of Islam were persecuted harshly by the powerful Jews of the day and were offered shelter by Christians.
April 9, 2009
This book is for anyone that wants to explore another religion outside their own. It also tells of a girl that marries a king, who believes she can weave "golden things", she receives help from a strange creature, but in return must guess his name by the third night. The queen is angry by her husband, the king his greediness and treatment of her. Does she forgive me? Read and find out for yourself.
May 26, 2017
This exquisitely illustrated, well-written and researched book makes it a perfect introduction on the origins of Islam. Award-winning author and artist Demi traces the life of Prophet Muhammad and overcomes the challenge of not being able to depict him with the creative use of gold leaf. Highly recommended for adults and kids!
See other books in our Celebrating Islam booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/ce...
See other books in our Celebrating Islam booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/ce...
September 15, 2011
Another one of Demi's richly illustrated stories about the central figures of the major religions. And like many of the books in this series, this one lacks much of the soul that characterizes Demi's other work. This book is like food that you eat because it is good for you, not because your like it.
Disappointing.
Disappointing.
August 19, 2016
I bought this several years back for my nephew at the time after finding it in a local used book store. It is an amazingly done biography of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) done for children (supposed to be the first one for kids). Following Islamic tradition the prophet (pbuh) is never pictured outright. Instead he is shown only as a golden silhouette.
September 22, 2014
Demi’s books always offer detailed illustrations that feel like intricately and beautifully woven tapestries. Also the informative forward will help readers understand the unique way that Muhammad is displayed; only in a golden shimmering silhouette. This was a helpful reference for me and my daughter before we read about Middle Eastern Cultures in our World History textbook.
January 3, 2016
Much as I like Demi's illustrations, I found the treatment of Islam in this book confusing, and wanting to know more. It was too much for a young audience, and too little for an older audience. The question is, what audience is it for ? I didn't think that the way to represent something that couldn't be represented was a shadow figure throughout.
March 17, 2008
A beautiful introduction to Muhammad and the birth of Islam. My daughter was really into this book when she was 5. Muhammad's face appears in a silhouette of gold so he is not technically portrayed or iconized in the book.
September 28, 2011
This book uses beautiful artwork and comprehensive terms to retell the story of the prophet of Islam, Muhammad, and how his story has to to with modern day Islam. It also shows the relationships between Jews, Muslims, and Christians at this time in history.
September 19, 2014
I thought this was a really good primer on Muhammad and the start of the Islamic faith for someone who knows virtually nothing about that religion. My 6 year old loved it and we read it multiple times.
April 7, 2015
I read this aloud to my 7- and 11-year old as part of our Middle Ages Islam history lesson. This is an excellent picture book to introduce children to Muhammad. In keeping with tradition, Demi does not illustrate Muhammad. Instead he uses a golden silhouette to depict him.
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