The two most authoritative hadith for Sunnis are those compi…

The two most authoritative hadith for Sunnis are those compiled by al-Bukhari and Muslim, although four others are also considered authentic: the collections of al-Tirmidhi, al-Nasa’i, Abu Dawud al-Sijistani, and Ibn Majah. Authoritative collections for Shia are those collected by al-Tusi, ibn Babawayh, and al-Razi.  

Only in 630 did the Muslims finally reenter Mecca, fulfillin…

Only in 630 did the Muslims finally reenter Mecca, fulfilling the pilgrimage and giving Muhammad the opportunity to rededicate the Kaaba to the One God and demonstrate his victory over the Quraysh. His destruction of the pagan idols filling the Kaaba is typically presented in parallel to Abraham’s similar actions and reminiscent of Jesus’ clearing of the Temple, establishing monotheism as the norm.

Islamic tradition records a deep and meaningful relationship…

Islamic tradition records a deep and meaningful relationship, based on love and mutual respect. Fatima was Muhammad’s strongest and most faithful supporter, believing in his call to prophethood even before he did. She was the first convert to Islam and supported his ministry, even through times of persecution and starvation. During their twenty-five year marriage, Muhammad had no other wives.

Not everything Prophet Muhammad said was a divine revelation…

Not everything Prophet Muhammad said was a divine revelation and not every thought he had came from a divine source. Not only did he consult with other people, particularly those he considered to have more expertise in a given situation, he also did not think of himself as infallible, reserving that level of authority for God.

Unlike Jesus, Muhammad was not known as a miracle worker and…

Unlike Jesus, Muhammad was not known as a miracle worker and never claimed to be one. Muslim theologians have consistently pointed to a single miracle attributed to Muhammad: receiving the revelation of the Qur’an. Insistence on the uniqueness and centrality of the Qur’an as a miracle has maintained focus on God as the singular object of Islamic worship rather than on Muhammad, who was strictly a Messenger.

Muhammad’s extraordi­nary qualities as leader and friend see…

Muhammad’s extraordi­nary qualities as leader and friend seemed to be of fundamental importance in en­suring the Qur’an’s acceptance, but his growing influence in turn was largely brought about by the “gracious Qur’an.”  The two—prophet and the Qur’an—are inex­tricably bound up in each other in a manner perhaps unduplicated by any other scripture.