The Truth About Muhammad: Founder of the World's Most Intolerant Religion Reviews

• Fills readers' deficit

  
  By ATDE9JYCPI0L1 on 2006-10-06
  Since September 2000, at the beginning of the latest phase in the Arab Muslim jihad against the Jewish people in Israel, I have done extensive reading on the history of Islam in a concerted effort to determine the cause. During my early months and years of research, I felt confounded by Islam, which scholars often described as a faith, at its core, moderate and peaceful. Lord knows, I long believed them.
  
  Unfortunately, the more I read, the more discouraged I have become as to the true nature of Islam, and its founder.
  
  Much, though hardly all, of my expanding base of knowledge, has come from Robert Spencer, whose books I have read both with pleasure and dismay--pleasure, because he writes and researches so well, and dismay, because his books so discourage one regarding the onerous tasks that now face Western civilization. Like it or not, we are increasingly imperiled by, and simultaneously, oblivious to the global political ambitions of resurgent Islam.
  
  These dangers appear genuinely contemporary after one learns the details of Muhammad's dealings with the Jewish Banu Qurayzah tribe of Yathrub (Medina).
  
  After sending a secret Muslim convert, Nu'aym bin Mas'ud, to sabotage a Qurayzah alliance with the pagan Quraysh, Muhammad debased the Jews as "brothers of monkeys." This language, as Spencer dutifully notes, "also made its way into the Qur'an"--in chapters 2 (verses 62-65), 5 (verses 59-60) and 7 (verse 166)--and is routinely invoked by current-day Muslim leaders.
  
  Citing the famed A. Guillaume's 1955 translation of Ibn Ishaq's Life of Muhammad (Sirat Rasul Allah), Spencer notes that Muhammad's forces "laid siege to the Qurayzah strongholds for twenty-five days, until... 'they were sorely pressed' and, as Muhammad had warned, 'God cast terror into their hearts'." At this juncture, the leader of the Qurayzah offered his people three choices--to accept Muhammad and Islam, to kill their wives and children and fight Muhammad unencumbered, or to ambush Muhammad on the Sabbath.
  
  The Qurayzah ignored their leader's counsel and, instead, surrendered to the Muslims. Muhammad asked Sa'd bin Mu'adh to determine their fate--and he in turn ruled that "their warriors should be killed and their children and women be taken as captives." Muhammad himself then went into the Medina market and dug trenches into which some the heads of at least 600 or 700 Qurayzah men (possibly, 800 or 900) would be struck. One boy who had not yet "begun to grow hair" later reputedly explained that this factor determined whether a boy was deemed a boy--and spared--or a man, and killed.
  
  Every drop of non-Muslim blood Muhammad spilled, he deemed to have set "a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the praise of Allah" (Qur'an, chapter 33, verse 21).
  
  It's all too clear, five years after 9/11, that most Americans lack the motivation to read the Koran--which is neither long, nor impregnable. If they had it, the public would soon discover that even the mildest of translations, which omit the most offensive verses and explicit terms, prove enlightening.
  
  But Spencer's 224-page biography of Muhammad, based entirely on the most important and authentic of Muslim sources, is well-positioned to fill the deficit for even those readers most devoid of educational motivation.
  
  --Alyssa A. Lappen
  
  

• A respectul but hard hitting discussion of the sources of intolerance in Islam

  
  By AUHG8KSHI529U on 2006-10-21
  Robert Spencer is one of the voices speaking clearly about where the Jihadists derive their core beliefs and patterns for their actions. The title of this book is not speaking against Islam or saying that Muslims are hiding some secret about their faith (although there are some difficult points they do not like to discuss much). What the title of the book is referring to is the false notion that the Western multi-culturalists like to peddle: that Islam is principally a religion of peace and that our conflict with them comes from not treating them as if they were another kind of Congregationalist sect.
  
  Because of the centrality of Muhammad to Islam, Spencer takes us through what can be known about the life of Muhammad. However, the Qur'an alone is not enough for that task. The author also uses the Hadith (traditions about Muhammad), and the Sira (a biography of Muhammad written down 150 years after his death). Using these secondary sources helps illuminate what the Qur'an is saying to the believers through their Prophet.
  
  As Spencer takes us through Muhammad's life and conquests, we learn the sources and traditions for what the Jihadists do today. Rather than twisting or hijacking the faith as some claim, there is a reason that so many within Islam feel proud and agree with the way the Jihadists act towards non-believers, what is preached against believers in their mosques, and the constant work to establish Sharia as a replacement for established law all over the world. This is what Muslims have done since their beginning and what they feel their mission is today. To them, all non-Muslim culture is inferior and all non-believers deserve second-class status at best. Tolerance and equality with non-believers is not possible according to Muhammad's teachings, even on his deathbed.
  
  This paragraph of Spencer's sums up the core of the book:
  
  "It is nothing short of staggering that the myth of Islamic tolerance could have gained such currency in the teeth of Muhammad's open contempt and hatred for Jews and Christians, incitements of violence against them, and calls that they be converted or subjugated. While human nature is everywhere the same and Muslims can, of course, act as tolerantly as anyone else, the example of Muhammad, the highest model for human behavior [according to Muslim belief - CSM], constantly pulls them in a different direction. The fact that Western analysts ignore all this demonstrates the ease with which people can be convinced of something they wish to believe, regardless of overwhelming evidence to the contrary." (pp. 182-183)
  
  The author also provides a chapter showing how the examples from Muhammad's life are preached and lived today, including jihad, violence against unbelievers, death penalty for apostates, and the marriage of young (very young) girls in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Spencer is quite clear that the marriage of young girls was not unusual in Muhammad's life and place, but despite the changes in the modern world it is the power of these traditions that keeps such practices alive.
  
  This is a respectful book, but does not shy away from difficult examples or teachings. Spencer does not go out of his way to try and create a kinder and gentler Muhammad, but he doesn't create a negative caricature of the man a billion people regard as a great prophet. Spencer is also clear about the inferior status of Jews, Christians, and Pagans in the Muslim view of the world. He even shows how Muhammad "corrected" Christian teaching about Jesus in the Qur'an. Among other things, the Muslim scripture declares that Jesus was not the Son of God nor was he crucified.
  
  This is a very interesting and informative book. Yes, it scares the heck out of the mainstream media, but that only shows the intolerance of Islam towards anyone who even raises difficult issues about the faith in even a respectful way. There are thousands of books on Christianity that are much harsher and are actually virulent and no one thinks twice about promoting them everywhere. But if you get the imams railing against you, well, like Spencer, Steve Emerson, and others, you need to live in "secure undisclosed locations". I don't know why you even need any more proof than that for the thesis of this book about the intolerance of Islam towards non-believers.
  
  Recommended.
  
  

• The Real Mohammed -- Downright Scary

  
  By A219AF9IDU4B6O on 2006-10-05
  Since 9/11, the American public has thirsted for knowledge about Islam. Most Americans, being Christians, naively start with the assumption that Islam is just another religion, maybe with a different lingo and rituals, but with basic beliefs about God similar to Judaism and Chritianity. Many books written about Islam are either too dense or scholarly for the general public, or else pabalum-twaddle PC apologetics that misinform, or worse, disinform, the general reader about Islam.
  
  Robert Spencer presents a portrait of Mohammed based exclusively upon original Islamic sources, which are basically semi-sacred texts to all Muslims. In fact, no other original writings on Mohammed's life exist apart from those written by Islamic scholar-clerics and the Koran itself.
  
  Robert Spencer lays out the "dots" (highlights) of Mohammed's life, but scrupulously leaves it to the reader to connect them. Thus, specific conduct delineated by the author regarding Mohammed which might appear to most Westerners as patently barbaric, inhumane or contrary to natural morality, will be seen as perfectly just, commendable and fair conduct by mainstream Muslims throughout the world. It all depends on the moral compass one has internalized.
  
  The beginning of the Western Enligtenment was coupled with a critical appraisal of religious thought generally, leading to the Higher Criticism of the Bible itself. Islam has barely begun this phase of intellectual ferment. Hardly any Islamic scholars are self-critical in the Western "Age of Reason" sense, as such scholars would likely face death-fatwas. Most of the Old Testament's "great men" and Jesus himself have been relentlessly deconstructed by academic "psychohistorians" for several hundred years. Following in that path on the subject of Mohammed takes tremendous courage and self-confidence. That is why all those who espouse Western values of freedom of conscience and religious tolerance owe a debt of gratitude to Robert Spencer for his authorship of this work.
  
  This fast-paced book serves as an excellent introduction to the towering figure of Islam and world history that is Mohammed, warts and all. Recently, the pope made comments that some Muslims have deemed unfairly critical of Islam, including qoutation of a statement from an ancient source to the effect that Islam has not made one truly original "positive" contribution to world civilization. Interestingly, not one Muslim leader, scholar or defender of the Islamic faith has pointed out a single, solitary NEW ethical or moral teaching/insight that Islam and/or Allah's Apostle has given humanity. Not even one!
  
  In the end, we might as well learn as much as we can about Mohammed, and his teaching of Jihad, since the clash of Western and Islamic civilizations that we're now in will last a long, long time.
  
  

• Spencer Got It Right

  
  By ANIEXIR10NWIM on 2006-09-26
  Its about time the truth about Mohammed and Islam came to light. The West has been crippled by the PC disease in dealing with Islamic Fascism which is not a radical splinter of Islam but is mainstream Islamic thinking. Spencer writes well and is a thorough researcher. He backs up his views with evidence (unlike some of the reviewers who just rant). After studying Islam for some time and reading Spencer and other authors, including the Islamic apologist Karen Armstrong, I conclude that Mohammed either made it all up (to raise and motivate an army and culture), had a pyschotic break with reality, or had visions and communication with a supernatural force that was not God. Islam is not about peace, its about domination at all costs, and always has been. Islam's methods are evil.
  
  

• bravo ! The Truth Must Be Told

  
  By A2PPWDKJK3W2AJ on 2006-09-23
  Mr. Spencer does a fine Job of exposing some of the misconceptions about the founder of the worlds most intolerant religion. Mr. Spencer will be accused of being biased in his understanding of this subect matter and I am sure that will be the basis for some to discredit his findings he shares and articulates so well in his book.
  I have found in my own life that in order to find truth one must put aside his or hers own personal bias and just look at the facts and in being courageous enough to do so will find themselves in the unchartered waters of the sea of truth instead of an ocean of deception.
  Many, expend their energy focusing on and trying understand "Good vs. Evil", but that approach is to lead one down a rabbit trail of confusion. The real issue is not "Good vs. Evil", but rather "Truth vs.deception.
  Good and Evil are simply byproducts of "Truth or deception". We must first unravel the massive amount of deception that has been and still is being fed to us by a variety of sources. I really do not care where the facts come from as long as it is varifiable and incontrovertable then I am interested.
  If Hitler where alive today, and he made the statement that 2 + 2 = 4, It would make no difference to me in discerning that that was a true statement despite the fact that it came out of the mouth of such an evil man.
  I make this point because the majority of people I speak with these days and the many of the reviews I read even on this site to not uphold such a liberating approach to fleeing the deluge of deception that we encounter on a daily basis.
  
  Mr. Spencer is simply doing his part to expose deception and help people find some truth in this matter of Muhammed and the Moslem religion.
  
  I took notice to a person reviewing this book (BS Abbas) and he certainly typifies a person who holds to the erroneous approach to truth that I previously mentioned. BS Abbas states in his review that Mr. Spencer is not willing to look at the good in Muhammad, but isn't BS not guilty of the same thing he accuses Mr. Spencer of...that is, he is not willing to accept any of the FACTS that Mr. Spencer presents regarding the evil about Muhammad??
  BS also uses a very interesting word in his review that might have summed up the Moslem religion with and that word is "Impose". BS says that Muhammad imposed prayer and other things as well on his people. If one really studies the Moslem relgion they will find that it is all about impsoition and inotlerance.
  Now, before I go any further let me say that I am not a Christian, however I am a follower of Yahshua (some call him Jesus). I never find Yahshua imosing His will on people, in fact if you read the story of the rich man who came to Yahshua and asked "what must I do to be saved"? Take notice that Yahshua did not force Himself on the rich man. He gave him a CHOICE, (something not very popular amongst the Moslems) He said "sell what you have and follow me". Then Yahshua walked away and left the rich man to make his CHOICE.
  There was no sword, no convincing, just words of truth left on the door of that mans heart.
  It is not force which will change the heart of a person, rather it is the truth spoken in and demonstrated in love which will take even the hardest heart and turn it into clay.
  BS also holds to the "Majortiy must be right theory". He states that more peope convert to Islam than other religions. Well, Yahshua had something to say about that as well... "Wide is the gate to destruction and narrow is the gate to truth, life and very few will find it"
  Maybe some who read this review might be thinking Yahshua (Jesus)? what about the crusades? Yahshua had nothing to do with the crusades. He did not win people by force, He won them by love. Read about His life if you will and make the distinction between Him and His flawed followers. Then read and study the FACTS about Mohammad and hopefully you wll make the right choice as to who you follow, that is if you choose to follow anyone at all.
  
  
• Spencer, Karen Armstrong and Ibn Ishak
  By A3JPIXYJL1VQBN on 2006-10-11
  It is interesting how often those who are negative to Spencer's book cite Karen Armstrong's book as a much better source. It may interest you to know that Karen Armstrong's book is sold on all the Islamist websites I recently visited. That should tell you something. Things are very polarized these days and its hard to figure out as an outsider, who is telling the truth. I have read both books as well as all the early Muslim biographies of Muhammad, Ibn Ishak in Hisham's recension, Al Tabari, Al-Waqidi, Ibn Kathir. Armstrong is writing Islamist propaganda and Spencer is telling you the truth, pure and simple. Now you don't have to believe me, just read the Muslim books! Ibn Ishak's Life of Muhammad is available for $22 postage paid from Oxford University Press Pakistan. It is an 800 page medieval tome, not an easy read. But you owe it to yourself to read it. Remember, it is a work of Islamic propaganda circa 750 C.E. It is not history but a santized version of history. What is astonishing is that Karen Armstrong, Dr. Esposito and numerous other "scholars" sanitize this sanitized version of history. In other words they write Islamic propaganda. I have no doubt that when you finish reading the book you will KNOW that Armstrong, Esposito and the entire politically correct crowd in academia have lied to you. And they are paid to do so. Esposito's Georgetown University recently received a $20 million dollar gift from a Saudi financier to further Esposito's organization at the college. There are big bucks to be made if you play the politically correct game. Spencer is risking his life to tell you the truth. He is on hit-lists. Now go buy the MUSLIM book, read it and "witness the greatest cover-up in world history". My apologies to the DaVinci Code for stealing their line.
  
  
  
  
• The "perfect man" may not be considered so exemplary by Westerners
  By AN094WKYK3HJE on 2006-10-02
  Mr. Spencer has written an excellent new biography of Mohammed based entirely on early Islamic sources. This is not a replacement for the classic "The Life and Times of Mohammad" by Sir John Glubb but rather supplements that book with a careful discussion of those themes in Mohammad's life that had greatest impact on Islam and have fomented controversy in modern times.
  
  It is easy to see why Mr. Spencer was reluctant to write this book as the Jihadists recently honored him by elevating him to the list of the 5 people they most want to murder. He may just be reciting the facts as reported by Muslim sources, but giving English speaking Westerners additional information about the worlds most "perfect man" and exemplar for a major religion certainly does not help promote that religion to people with Western sensibilities. Westerners do not generally subscribe to the notion that anything that promotes Islam is "good" and anything that puts Islam in a less popular light is "bad."
  
  The sayings and character of Mohammad are very important since fundamental Islam considers his revelation from Allah via Gabriel to be the final unchanging commandments of God to all the people on earth. They further consider Mohammed's life to be the perfect example of how people should live, and his sayings an essential addition to the revelation in the Qu'ran.
  
  Mohammad's treatment of critics, his promotion of raiding and Jihad, his attitude toward women, his provisions for Jews and Christians, and his prescribed punishments for crime, are all treated at some length.
  
  It's very apparent from Mr. Spencer's description that the invariance in fundamental Islam, coupled with Mohammad's extensive prescriptions, and the utter lack of a prescribed mechanism for adjustment and change, lead directly to his subtitle of Mohammad as "Founder of the World's Most Intolerant Religion."
  
  
• Seems quite accurate, informative, if controversial
  By A2H2KBHATV4PJR on 2006-09-26
  I haven't finished the book yet, but thus far I don't see any glaring inaccuracies as alleged by a couple of early reviewers. One hastens to note that the self-styled "American Graduate Student of Arabic Language and Literature" who wrote one such review seems to think that the crusades, which began in the 11th century, were contemporary with the early (and, yes, bellicose) history of Islam, which, of course, finds its own origins in the 7th century.
  
  Seems peculiar to put the blame for Islamic mayhem on a Christian militarism that would not arise for another four centuries. (Post hoc, propter hoc, while not conclusive, is certainly a better start than its inverse.) Seems even more peculiar to accuse someone else of unspecified inaccuracies while forging such a ludicrous deformation of history with one's own hot breath.
  
  
• Shouldnt be neccesary but it is
  By A2Z4KA3EFQWZOX on 2006-09-26
  Books like this, using hyperbole and criticism shouldnt be neccesary. It shouldnt be neccesary to insult religious leaders or founders of major religions. But sadly in the west it has become common that students and intellectuals have been told that they may say whatever they please, but they may never critique the Koran, Mohammed or Islam, as if they live in Saudi and are subject to Shariah law. But the west isnt subject to Shariah law, not yet, and therefore it is neccesary to rebut western intellectuals who have written sycophantic accounts of Islam describing it is a 'religion of peace' No religion is inherenlty peaceful and this book goes a good way toward showing that very little in the foundation of Islam was peaceful. The founding of Islam involved enslavement, mass murder and crusades. This isn't neccesarily entirely unique, but it is worthwhile to recount the truth. Most of the truth can be found in the Koran, which beside the Hadith is the only testimony to the deeds of Mohammed. But this book merely helps put these acts in context and tries to examine the more intolerant among them. It is important to examine intolerance in the Koran because the west is continually told that the Koran is only about 'tolerance and diversity' which is far from the truth. It is important to have books that critique religion, since this is part of western value, and since many books critique the Christian religion it shouldnt be that the Islamic religion, which has become western in terms of its residency, can also be critiqued. This book serves as a good primer for those who have not read the Koran or have a badly translated text, it is also a good primer for anyone who has spent to much time at University being told that Islam is the perfect religion of peace, a religion or 'egalitarianism' without 'racism'.
  
  Seth J. Frantzman
  
  
• The truth about Muhammed is not pretty.
  By A3IU8739MVHLQB on 2006-10-10
  I have just finished reading Mr. Spencer's thoroughly researched study of the character and actions of Muhammed. As Mr. Spencer demonstrates, according to Islamic teachings, Muhammed is the example of perfect conduct for Muslims, and his teachings (both Quranic and extra-Qurannical) are normative for Muslims. During his life, Muhammed committed violence (typically unprovoked) against those who refused to accept his claims of prophethood, and he promulgated a strategy for the spread of Islam that proceeds in three steps: first, non-Muslims are invited (read: threatened) to convert to Islam; second, people of the book (Jews and Christians) who refuse to convert are subjugated to the Muslim majority (dhimmitude); and finally, violent jihad is waged against unbelievers unwilling to accept this generous offer.
  This is not merely an abbreviated biography of Muhammed however, for modern-day jihadis strive to live out the conduct and teachings of Muhammed. It is therefore incumbent upon those of us who would dare to raise a finger against the rise of violent Islam in the West to know exactly what Muhammed taught so that we might counter it more effectively.
  
  Note: When confronted with the truth of this book, apologists of Islam are quick to remind Christians of Christianity's bloody past. (Examples of this can be found on this very webpage.) Aside from the fact that this line of argumentation is a textbook example of the logical fallacy of "tu quoque," the argument fails for two (what should be obvious) reasons:
  1. The Bible contains no universal command to believers that they commit violence against unbelievers or act harsly toward them. (That many have committed violence in defense of their skewed reading of the Bible is inapposite.) Far from it. Christian believers are told to give their lives for others. Jesus himself died for unbelievers; Muhammed killed them and then took their wives, children, and wealth.
  2. Acts of violence committed in the name of Christianity are extremely rare today. However, when they do happen, Christians worldwide fall over themselves to be the first to condemn them. By contrast, so-called moderate Muslims who putatively abhor violence committed in the cause of Islam are too-often as quiet as mosque-mice in decrying that violence.
  
  
• Courage!
  By A2U4QN7NESIFRB on 2006-09-29
  We can be fortunate that Mr. Spencer is still able to be able to write books that are an open and honest portrayal of the founder of Islam . Books like this one should be read by EVERYONE so that we can keep the freedoms we enjoy. It's scary to think that if this were written in let's say, Holland, the author might possibly end up DEAD. Or else have a death sentence on his head issued by the leader of a state and live in hiding in fear of his life.
  I thank Robert Spencer for having the courage to risk his life to speak honestly and openly about the root of the biggest danger our world currently faces- Islamic Terrorism.
  
  
  
  
• Finally, an honest book about the founder of one of the world's major religions
  By AHSBEMIR6WUC2 on 2006-10-14
  This is a very welcome book that is not afraid to honestly document the life of Mohammed, the founder of the Islamic religion. The book is strictly about Mohammed's life, documented using authentic Muslims sources such as the Koran, the Hadiths, and the Life of Muhammad by Ibn Ishaq. It is highly relevant to today's world because according to the Koran, Mohammed is supposed to be an example for to emulate. In order to understand the actions of the jihadists/terrorists/extremists, we need to understand the man they seek to emulate.
  
  The PC establishment and many governments claim that terrorists have hijacked Islam and used it for political purposes. Using the authentic Muslims sources, Spencer disproves this claim that shows that the jihadists/terrorists/extremists are merely following Mohammed's example.
  
  Spencer discusses how modern day terrorists justify their actions from Mohammed's life. He does not bash Islam, insult Muslims, or be "racist" as many of his critics claim he does. His tone is one that states the facts. He is supported by almost 17 pages of references (listed at the end of book).
  
  Spencer introduces the book with a section on current events and a brief background on the sources for Mohammed and Islam. He does a remarkable job of exploring Mohammed's life starting in Mecca, detailing his interactions with various Jewish, Christian, and Pagan tribes, as well as detailing the significant events in Mohammed's life that are responsible for the formation of jihadist doctrine (along with more troubling aspects of Islam, such as his marriage to a nine year old, ordering assassinations, and his orders on how to treat non-Muslims.) It ends with a section on current events and practical recommendations for fighting jihad. This book is truly what the media has not told you.
  
  
  
• Looking Muhammad in the eye....
  By A1V4HZ2I5SD5YV on 2006-11-09
  Robert Spencer has done it again, producing another highly readable but scholarly treatise on the most important issue of our time - the struggle of the West against Islamofacism. If you read this book you will know more about the actual Muhammad than almost everyone, past or present, has known or does know. This includes Muslims themselves. Spencer carves away the layers of myth that have accumulated around the persona of the self-proclaimed prophet, using the double-bladed scalpel of "history" and "reason". Spencer's goal is to find out what Muhammad "was really like."
  
  The idea persists in Western and Eastern minds that Muhammad was a man of peace who established a world-wide religion of peace. It is generally assumed that only in modern times has a small faction of religious radicals committed crimes in the name of Muhammad. The gentle Prophet himself, if he were alive, would certainly not approve of these deadly deeds committed in his name. But Spencer's research leads to the opposite conclusion: Muhammad was primarily a man of aggressive violence and irrationality. He was himself the prototype of the modern day Islamofascist Jihad terrorist.
  
  This conclusion is based on an exhaustive study of all the available Islamic texts. There exists an enormous body of "sacred" Islamic writing about the life and revelations of Muhammad. Spencer has spent years closely examining all these holy texts of Islam, using comparative analysis to arrive at the core beliefs about Muhammad, his life and works.
  
  First are the Suras of the Qur'an, piecemeal revelations that Muhammad (570-632 AD) claims to have received from the angel Gabriel over a twenty-three year prophetic career. The first of these are poetic ramblings bearing close resemblance to passages from the Old and New Testament, the Talmud, Zoroastrianism, and heretical Christian sects such as the Nestorians, Gnostics and Manicheans. All these sources were extant in Arabia at the time of Mohammad's life.
  
  Due to the fragmentary quality of the Suras early Muslims elaborated additional sources to provide context for the Qur'an: tafsir (commentary) and hadith (traditions about the Prophet). In the ninth century one of the most respected scholars collected over 300,000 ahadith (plural for hadith). He finally chose two thousand as authentic. His collection fills nine volumes. This is just one of six collections, some of even greater length.
  
  In addition to the above mass of information is the sira, which is the biography of Muhammad, the first of which did not appear until 150 years after his death. There arose in the eighth and ninth centuries a number of Muslim jurists and scholars who wrote contrary accounts of Muhammad's life and quarreled amongst themselves as to which account was authentic. On two matters they all agree: Muhammad was virulently anti-Jewish and anti-Christian.
  
  The last half of the Qur'an is filled with "ex post facto" revelations. For instance after Muhammad married his daughter-in-law he received a convenient revelation with Allah's approval. Then in his later years the prophet became increasingly engaged in wars of expansion; slaughtering and beheading people, gouging out their eyes with nails, cutting off their limbs, and capturing their wives and daughters as slaves. After each successful campaign he would receive a revelation with Allah's stamp of approval.
  
  By using only sources approved by Islamic law as authentic Spencer has invited a rebuttal by Muslim scholars on their own ground. No argument has come forward. There has not been, and will not be, such a rejoinder. Spencer has built an irrefutable description of the "real" Muhammad from within the Islamic canon.
  
  We are profoundly indebted to Robert Spencer. Writing as an individual, unaffiliated with any academic institution, he is able to tell the truth as he finds it in his researches. It tells you something about the followers of Muhammad that Spencer has to remain in hiding for fear of his life. And in his "acknowledgements" he is unable to mention by name the many people who have helped him in his undertaking. They too live under the death threat of the Islamofacists.
  
  There is a deep sickness lying at the heart of Islam, and it's source can be found in the darkness of Muhammad's own heart.
  
  
  
• Brilliant!!
  By A25UOVQFMYX631 on 2006-09-26
  This is THE book the politically correct media and academic "elites" DON'T want you to read. I sent a copy off to my niece at GU. This book is loaded with many unrefutable facts about Islam that all open minded college students who seek truths should read.
  
  
• The end of an era
  By A1DDS1U7QSGQZD on 2006-09-26
  Will our generation be the one to turn the tide against the Islamic abomination? After more than 1300 years? If so, it will be men like Rober Spencer, Daniel Pipes, Walid Phares, and other western intellectuals who history will remember, and Mohammed will join the ranks of the forgotten demons of our primitive past.
  
  
• Excellent book!
  By A17CR8B3PPE0UM on 2006-09-26
  I mainly wanted to state that I find it humorous that so-called "scholars" of Islam are more apt to criticize Robert Spencer's book than radical Islamists who are destroying their religion.
  
  As a quick FYI, groups like CAIR are actively operating in the US and are focused on destroying this nation, groups whose senior members have/had clear cut ties to terrorist groups. But I am sure these "scholars" are not too concerned with the CAIRs of the world, it is Robert Spencer that is the real threat.
  
  My advice is for the "scholars" to get their priorities straight.
  
  
• The Truth about Muhammad
  By A2NVACNX0NPHPE on 2006-10-03
  "The Truth about Muhammad" by Robert Spencer is a biography of the Muslim prophet based entirely on recognized Muslim sources: 1) The sira or ancient Muslim biographies of Muhammad like the earliest one from Ibn Ishaq, 2) the teachings of Muhammad and the sayings about him by his earliest followers as recorded in the Hadith, and 3) the teachings of Muhammad himself recorded in the Qur'an.
  
  Mr. Spencer shows how the teachings of the Qur'an fit in with, and are better understood in the light of, these other sources. After reviewing and explaining the primary historical documents, the author provides a biography of Muhammad from birth to death. While some modern biographies (e.g. Muhammad; a biography of the Prophet by Karen Armstrong) provide a whitewashed, politically correct image of "The Prophet," Robert Spencer provides a biography as presented in the original sources--warts and all.
  
  The book is bound to be very controversial--the author has already received death threats--but the book is well indexed and well documented for those who want to check the author's sources.
  
  
  
• Mohammad in his words
  By AG14EG43QAF4Z on 2006-10-18
  Negative (one star) Amazon reviews tell readers to go to the sources of Islam, such as the Koran, rather than buy Spencer's book. Obviously they have not read 'The Truth About Muhammad,' because that is exactly what Spencer has done and exactly what he urges us to do. Buy the book. Taking Mohammed's words and deeds together, as the Koran and the traditions of Islam teach them, it is beyond me that Mohammad has any followers. He seems like the Jeffrey Dahmer of religion. I am an agnostic and have no particular brief for one religion over another, but the fact remains that the founder of Christianity spared a woman from stoning, preached love, and forgave even his executioners from the cross. The founder of Mohammadism demanded the stoning of a woman, had sex with prepubescent girls, robbed caravans, and murdered those who disagreed with him. And those are Islam's 'flattering' traditions of Mohammad. It is equally impossible to imagine Jesus with a sword and Mohammed without one. I do not put stock in prophecy, but Jesus got at least one right when he warned the world to beware of false prophets. It is hard to imagine anyone fitting that description better than a treacherous, thieving, homicidal [...] who believes that god is telling him these wicked deeds are holy. The last thing his followers want us to do is find out what Mohammad really said and did. Mr. Spencer has done us a great service with his research and writing.
  
  
• We Will Not Submit
  By A10250WFWWKGWV on 2006-10-19
  Americans take pride in our acceptance of those with different values and traditions. But we are also seen as a shallow and poorly informed people, prone to a cursory understanding of complex things. Americans' ignorance of Islam leads many to accept declarations that Islamic extremists are a minority and that Islam is a "religion of peace." Spencer makes the bold assertion that we should not accept Islam in the name of tolerance and diversity without demanding a reciprocal acceptance of our own values.
  
  The author of "The Truth about Muhammad" Robert Spencer "lives in a secure, undisclosed location." The death threats and persecution he suffers might lead some to assume this book is blasphemous or insulting to Muslims. It is rather a scholarly examination of the life of Muhammad and the historical context of his prophetic revelations. Spencer uses as his sources the Koran (the revelations) the Hadith (the traditions of Muhammad) and the Sira (the biography of Muhammad.) He does not suggest that Muslims should abandon their faith.
  
  What Spencer does show is that among the central tenets of Islam are the commands to persecute, dominate, convert or destroy any who do not accept Islam. He shows that Islamic women are to be wholly subservient to men. He shows that Sharia law with its penalties of stoning and mutilation is to be the highest law. Islam's only nod to "tolerance of diversity" is dhimmi status. As a dhimmi, meaning both protected and guilty, a person is allowed to live on his knees, paying steep taxes and always careful not offend the Islamic master race.
  
  Many Americans and Europeans consider themselves "post-Christian." They acknowledge the contribution Christianity has played in the rise of our society but see no need for faith in public life. They might feel that they have no quarrel with Muslims or Islam and so Islam will have no quarrel with them. Spencer tells us how Islam dictates little patience for Christians and Jews (the people of the book) and none whatsoever for atheists. Spencer argues that there is no "moderate Islam" in any meaningful sense. Violent messages would have been denounced loudly if any such moderate Islam truly existed. The allegedly "extremist" voice of Radical Islam is the true face of the Muslim faith. We must educate ourselves about Islam and take measures to protect the civilized world from their violent and regressive attributes.
  
  One of Spencer's closing recommendations is that the United States make a top priority of developing alternative fuels in order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and presumably allow us to have less to do with the Middle East and Islamic people. I found this a rather simplistic notion in an otherwise well argued work. It might be the case that few people outside of the former Ottoman Empire would have much idea of what Islam was were it not for the huge supplies of oil in the Middle East and the huge demand for oil in the rest of the world. But the genie is out of the bottle; Islam will be a factor in international relations for the foreseeable future. Our efforts are better spent understanding Islam and knowing the truth about it.
  
  Comments invited.
  
  
  
• Elegantly Reasoned, Almost Dispassionate
  By A3VPMXREZV2WSY on 2006-10-18
  If you are looking for a 'rant' against Islam look elsewhere. The author (probably from having read so much of the early material) has actually picked up the cadences and rhetorical style of classical Arabic! It is really well written.
  
  My first thought, once I realized that the book is built upon the earliest and most revered (by Islam) texts is that the author might have slyly selected and arranged them to make his case. I checked the sources and saw there were many texts he could have used but didn't. A wealth of volatile and shocking texts.
  
  I defy anyone posting a hateful one-star critique of this book to actually sit down and deny any of Spencer's key points. Always, always he is attacked 'in general' never in detail.
  
  This book is a priceless tool for the intelligent to use in argument with those who do not believe in the immediate and mortal danger before us.
  
  
• A different approach to Islam
  By A1IWWT9L9X9XWX on 2006-10-11
  Unlike some folks here, I actually read this book, front to back. I found the book very informative, but not perhaps the first step in understanding Islam. If you are just trying to find out how Islam differs from (assuming Western upbringing), a Christian background, I'd recommend Spencer's easier read "Inside Islam, a Guide for Catholics". Looking for books that will give you sound bites to deflate "experts" at a party? Then Spencer's "Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam..." will give you some real zingers. This current book was much more in depth and thought provoking. What was amazing was (in spite of what some of the negative reviews here say), this book used nothing but reliable sources from leading Muslim scholers. Don't like what Spencer says? He didn't say them, Muslims in authority did. There is something here for everyone, those that want to learn, and those that have already made up their mind, pro or con on the religion. This book provides some in depth knowledge beyond simple general statements you hear knocked around by both sides. Fair? You bet! Balanced? No way, and I doubt any right thinking person will be after reading the book. If someone doesn't agree with the author, don't call him names - rather tell him where he's wrong with FACTS - he's very easy to find online, and answers his e-mail on a daily basis.
  
  
• Scolarly Coverage of a Touchy Subject
  By A38YO2YZQHPRZG on 2006-10-20
  THere is a lot of apolagetic
  
  the Koran (the revelations) the Hadith (the traditions of Muhammad) and the Sira (the biography of Muhammad.) There is a lot of apologetic literature on Muhammed and Islam including texts from people like Armstrong and Said and many modern works. It is difficult to find any good analysis of the subjects based purely on the oldest historical writings though some writers including Warraq and Ye'or have done similar research for their texts.
  
  As one less objective commenter below points out, it is easy to find more modern writings that that allow "knowledge of Prophet Muhammed (to only) come from Islamic sources that depict him a compassionate, forgiving, and fair man," but the truth is easier to find in the earliest materials available. Mr. Spencer uses the Koran, the Hadith (considered by many to be equal to the Koran) and the Sira for his source material and instead of an approach based on criticism uses the sources to explain why Islam has changed little from those earlier days.
  
  The purpose of the book is to explain why things are as they really are, rather than what the apologists and obscurants want people to believe. It also explains why the recent events and actions from adherents of the "Religion of Peace," as some call Islam, have been ones of violence and intolerance. It is in no way a blanket criticism of Muslims and Mr. Spencer does agree that tolerant Muslims do exist and should be encouraged and supported. I encourage Mr. Senturk and others like him to continue with their non-aggressive beliefs but to say that "book is full of hatred" is to agree that the original sources have the same base.
  
  If you are wondering why there is violence and hatred from Muslims when you kept being told that all Muslims are tolerant and Islam is a "Religion of Peace" this book gives an excellent historical and unbiased set of reasons why it is so.
  
  
• Muhammad without illusions.
  By AG3D4EWE8N2P4 on 2006-10-10
  Before oil billions reanimated the Muslim drive to conquer the world, it may not have mattered that most available histories of Islam and biographies of Muhammad were largely written by Islamophiles, who ignored the actual history of Islam and conduct of Muhammad and instead presented a sanitized, soft-focus version of both; it was the Alhambra, beautiful Arab calligraphy and Muhammad's "spiritual quest." Now, with Islamic terrorists shouting "Allahu Akbar" as they cut off the heads of western captives, terrorists quoting the Koran and incidents in Muhammad's life to justify their slaughter of civilians, and many Muslim imams world-wide preaching jihad and hatred for Christians and Jews, it is imperative that we get a complete and accurate picture of Muhammad--who Muslims believe to be the "Perfect Man" to be emulated in all things--and the Koran. Robert Spencer has produced a readable, very well-researched and meticulously documented book which does give such an accurate picture because it takes its information solely from mainstream Muslim sources; the Koran, the Hadith and the earliest and most accepted Muslim biographies of Muhammad. There is no invective or malice in this book, it merely presents to us in the West the picture of Muhammad that Muslims gain from the Koran and their own religious literature. Muslims and their partisans do not want us to see this accurate portrait, far less pretty and far more menacing than the pretty, fictitious portraits they have held up for us to see in the past. Thus, the negative reviews here filled with name-calling, arguments aimed at diverting your attention and froth but no substance.
  
  
• Cult Busters
  By A2YPFPL0U1EKCS on 2006-11-16
  Check Your Review of
  The Truth About Muhammad: Founder of the World's Most Intolerant Religion
  by Robert Spencer
  
  Here is your review the way it will appear:
  
  
  
  A Cult Busting book by Robert Spencer: Thanks for your courage, November 16, 2006
  Reviewer: Jesse W. Collins (Angel Fire, NM) - See all my reviews
  
  
  I am for 30 years a treatment provider of people and organizations affected by psychological trauma, author of the Etiotropic Trauma Management (ETM) Series, which includes the provision of management models for intervention and control of perpetrators and perpetrator systems such as violent cults. I am also an anti guerrilla warfare former fighter, trainer and author, having written in addition to the ETM series the book "Guerrilla Warfare's Pathogenesis and Cure". Since 9/11 I've studied Islam as an adjunct to this work.
  
  Cults' documentations, as in this instance the Koran, hadith, Sharia and Dhimmi guidelines, split the minds of its members and adversaries with double entendre (as applied to the documentation as a whole) and rules of operation. In its charter writings and declarations, Islam admonishes love of everyone who accepts its ascendance and then killing (or enslaving) everyone who doesn't. Love and killing are pitted against each other as opposite human values and beliefs comprising ontology. Moreover, periodic and increasingly applied acts of extremely heinous violence traumatizes both groups (membership and adversaries) incapacitating their responses to such an extent that they are made vulnerable to and even indefensible against the cult spreading methodology. For example, as most everyone has heard, following application of a large scale traumatic event, a so called "Stockholm syndrome" effect impacts the targeted system turning the traumatized into perpetrator (meaning Islamic documentation and control) supporters. Hence, the syndrome becomes manifest in one way as radicalized dhimmis (conquered victims who become strong supporters of the perpetrators) and apologetic scholars and commentators, and of course the ever continuingly original identity sundered Muslim membership.
  
  With his scholarly, but apparently pointedly intended to undermine and intervene upon by exegesis the fraud perpetrated by Islam's author through its charter documentation, the courageous Mr. Spencer has added himself again to the increasing community of breakers of trauma inspired denial by pathological supporters of Islam. These brave warriors, (where applicable Drs) Spencer, Bostom, Gabriel, Emerson, Pipes, Bat Ye'or, another twenty book writers, untold numbers of new and inspiring journalists and now bloggers, and the majority of "free thinking" Islamic reformists with death sentences on their heads, attack the contradicting foundations of this millenniums old and now again rapidly spreading horror. They are, through their intellects and communications skills, our main hope for effective cult busting, required in this instance not just to remove a nuisance, but save our very civilization. In addition, the quality of 5 star reviews posted in response to and support of this book are also enlightening, intellectually inspiring, and in the main grasping of the immediate threat that this gargantuan insult to life is to our country's and world's existences.
  
  I would like to make two suggestions to Mr. Spencer and most other Islamic antagonists who posit that a solution is convincing moderates of the truth, and supporting their desires for a peaceful Islam as opposed to having to join and perpetrate jihad (the killing kind). First, trying to win through education of split minded cultists (referring to those moderates) cannot be successful because of the earlier referenced double entendre based cult controls applied to their thinkings by Islam's documentation (charter). Second, I believe the cult will have to be dissolved by the community of unbelievers who cherish a secularly run life free of any governmentally supported religious or cult domination. That means that eventually anti cult legislation with adequate enforcers through law will be required in this country to order the necessary changes. I doubt that this would be possible, however, until we have suffered Islamist guerrilla applied nuclear attack and mass death in this country.
  
  In the mean time, we gain clarity and hope from the works of people like Mr. Spencer who are through their contributions like his book "The Truth About Muhammad" educating us, stripping away centuries and layers of trauma imposed denial, as to the nucleus of this difficult war we are fighting against the most dangerous enemy we have ever faced. Bravo Mr. Spencer, for all of your much needed leadership and continuing sacrifices.
  
  Jesse Collins
  
  
  
• read it
  By A1BY7A2CID2X22 on 2006-10-13
  This book is a decent read. See the other higher rated reviews. They are reasonably accurate. If you doubt it's conclusions, then I suggest you read newspapers more often. Perhaps travel to India, The Phillipines, Bali, Somalia, Turkey, Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, London, Russia, Denmark, The Netherlands, Spain, last but not least, visit that hole in the ground in NYC. When you are finished, join one of the many Muslim marches against violence - if you can't find one, then form a march yourself, inviting all willing muslims to participate; see how many will come.
  
  
• The real Muhammad making the real Islam
  By A3GK6YHJVPSEMM on 2006-11-18
  I read this book last week, here in Brazil.I'm an agronomist and I like to read books.
  In a time with politically-correct meaning bogus believes, this book shows you, who really was Muhammad.This book isn't only about Muhammad. It's about Islam itself.Congratulations to the author, because this book is definitive and 100% correct.
  
  
• No editorial reviews?
  By A36PPDWYJKK8SG on 2006-10-21
  No one in the mainstream media is willing to touch this. We have the book flap as an editorial review. Amazon isn't touching it. The papers aren't touching it. Even freakish Ann Coulter won't touch it. (well, she lives with a Muslim, so I understand her trepidation)
  
  Why are there no reviews by the media? Because people want to live, and to say anything against Islam brings death threats and fear, as Mr. Van Gogh found out.
  
  
  
• Exposes the irredeemable
  By A2GOSYETLDACFK on 2006-10-29
  This book is about the roots of Islamic violence. Reading it, I was reminded of the philosophic principal called Occam's razor, which states that a phenomenon can be explained by as few components as possible, but no fewer. So why is the Middle East so violent despite being almost monocultural, and the West, despite its diversity, the center of human rights and basically peaceful? Back to Occam, there is a simple reason: The Middle East follows Muhammad, who compromised principle, lied, looted, enslaved, raped and murdered in pursuit of his goals, as aptly documented in this book (and in the Koran). The West on the other hand, generally follows Jesus, Prince of Peace, who was crucified for spreading a then subversive message of love and forgiveness. Despite much violence in the West over time, the basic Christian doctrine could not be denied, and eventually emerged. Thus fell institutional slavery, racism, sexism, etc. This truth even applies to secular governments, who subconsciously have nevertheless imbibed the religious messages of their ancestors. Islam is directly the opposite. The basic message of Islam, with Muhammad as its model of perfect conduct, must be denied if Middle Eastern governments are ever to emerge from chaos and brutality.
  These reasons are so simple it seems absurd, but many brilliant minds are dumbfounded by their simplicity, and choose to blame colonialism, America, Israel, pork rinds, etc. for all Muslims' problems. Aside from a straightforward source guide for Islamic violence, Spencer suggests some prudent steps Western governments can do to prevent Islamic aggression, rather than bury their heads in the sand.
  Spencer documents the annoying habit many Muslim apologists have of sanitizing Muhammad's conduct, especially for Western audiences, but also for the Muslim masses. It's done both because of self-deluded denial and intentional deception. One thing I find incredible is that most Muslims actually have a rather Judeo-Christian outlook on life--a testament to its natural universal appeal--and are either ignorant of the real Muhammad, or they become censorous, apologetic, or simply embarrassed when confronted by many aspects of Islam. But of course, they are under a death sentence if they choose to leave Islam, so what is a life-loving cultural Muslim to do? Apparently, just ignore Islam as much as possible and/or move to the West. Only a small minority of powerful imams, mullahs, misogynists and the weakest of women really enjoy Islam, as far as I can tell.
  Spencer's book is a wakeup call to those who insist religions are all reflections of the same thing. There are similarities to be sure, but the devil is in the details, so their trajectory and destination are radically different.
  
  
• False Prophet of Death
  By A16F69US7QZJBF on 2006-11-18
  Just finished this book. Incredible!!!! Read it. Buy it, borrow it, or check it out of the library, just read it. Muhammad is the core of this horror, and he must be exposed. There is no peace upon him. He was a warlord and a butcher that mixed heretical Christianity, Jewish and Paganism to start a religion in order to conquer.
  
  
• The most convincing explanation of the causes of our current crisis I've heard
  By A1FPPMT230HDM7 on 2007-07-05
  I've always been confused by the many opposing views within Islam, and have always tried to find answers to these questions by reading commentary from all sides. Robert Spencer's biography of Islam's founder has finally given me solid, convincing answers to my questions. By the time I finished this biography, rather than feeling an increased sense of confusion, I felt an increased sense of clarity and understanding regarding the massive confusion occurring in Islam today.
  
  Given that the subtitle of the book labels Muhammad "founder of the world's most intolerant religion," I knew the bias the author had and was skeptical of the sources he'd be using to show Muhammad isn't the icon of peace many think he is. However, Spencer does not rely on any sources Muslims themselves (for the most part) would deem heretical or even fictitious: the Quran, the Hadith, and Sirat Rasul Allah (Life of Allah's Messenger), the first comprehensive biography of Muhammad by ancient scholar Ibn Ishaq. So, if Spencer uses the same sources the Muslims themselves use and he interprets the religion as intolerant and violent, he must be taking the text out of context right? Wrong.
  
  This is one problem I've consistently encountered when trying to understand the texts and teachings of Islam: what is the correct context? Spencer spends a great deal of time in the beginning of the book explaining this question in detail. He points out the briefness and vagueness of the Quran, and explains how the Hadith attempts to bring context to the holes and questions surrounding who Muhammad actually was. The Hadith is a collection of oral stories and explanations that were written down over one hundred years after Muhammad's death to explain the actions and customs established by him that aren't clearly outlined in the Quran. However, even the Hadith writings contradict each other, leading to much confusion in Islam. As time went on, Muslim scholars kept adding contradictory information to the Hadith to cover up some of the original history and heritage that was becoming, more or less, "uncomfortable" for many to accept. Therefore, what Spencer focuses on is not the many contradicting and often "heretical" Hadith additions conferred years leader, but rather the precise words of the supposed Gabriel, Muhammad, and those who knew him personally. He always notes when there are contradicting versions of one story and provides all the viewpoints that have been written. Spencer's most basic goal is to paint a picture of who Muhammad truly was, rather than what moderate Muslims want him to be.
  
  I write extensively on this background into the way the Quran was written and is understood simply because Spencer does. It's necessary to understand the validity of his claims and the nature of Islam as a whole. His analysis is not only balanced from a Western view of scholarly inquiry, it is the conventional knowledge in Middle East countries today. The only reason Spencer needs to talk about this history with the care and implication of a revisionist is that Western Islamic scholars and apologists generally ignore the truth about Islamic history. The truth that is being taught in the Middle East about the "prophet" and his teachings is far more shocking than the West's watered down interpretations of the Quran's most blatant information.
  
  Along with this, Spencer provides a comparative analysis of the stories of the Quran with relation to those similar in the Christian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian traditions. We find here that many of the portions of the Quran are often identical to writings in the Talmud, the heretical Gnostic gospels, and Zoroastrian fables of paradise. Spencer implies that Muhammad may have stolen these teachings from the lesser known writings of these other religions, but lets you make your mind up for yourself. While the objectivity Spencer takes in analyzing the history of Muhammad is probably more convincing than any other book on Islam I've ever read, it was also much more disturbing.
  
  After discussing the issues surrounding context and authorship, Spencer moves on to simply provide a history of Muhammad's life from birth to death. Spencer focuses specifically on Muhammad's early interactions with "Gabriel" and how Muhammad himself often wondered if the angel was from God or Satan. His early confusion and torment on the nature of the angel resulted in multiple seizures and suicide attempts, which are recounted with detail by Muhammad himself as well as his wives and friends. Here Spencer highlights Muhammad's gradual conversion from a normal man conflicted by the voice of Gabriel, to a "prophet" submitting to Gabriel's wishes for him to use bloodshed to unite or destroy the tribes of Arabia (and later Africa, Europe and Asia).
  
  Perhaps the most striking aspect of Spencer's work is his attention to chronological detail. He writes with an event/revelation analysis, meaning that he speculates on the events surrounding each "revelation" Muhammad received from Allah. For example, Muhammad supposedly received a revelation that Allah believed adoption was a hollow gesture. Immediately after this revelation Muhammad moved to marry his adopted son's wife--an action that would have been abhorred by the community before his "revelation." Such analysis is used to provide insight into how Muhammad provided laws regarding, and sometimes requiring, pedophilia, wife-beating, polygamy, looting, and murder or discrimination of the Jews and Christians. These revelations of convenience are shown throughout Muhammad's life, showing first his desire for something or some action, coinciding with the revelation from Gabriel that allowed Muhammad to follow these wants.
  
  We see the evolution of Muhammad's life shift from one that resists Gabriel (whom he sees as a Satanic presence) to one that bows in submission to the "angel". At the beginning he allies with Jews and Christians but, by the end, the primary goal of his army is to wipe them out of Arabia and the rest of the world. These types of transformations make it clear why those who build their lives following his true example are trapped in a society not only confounded by contradiction, but entrapped in rape, domestic abuse, sexual slavery, thievery, polygamy, pedophilia, discrimination, and murder. Muhammad received "revelations" from Allah throughout his life that condoned (and sometimes demanded) these "values" be put in place, and after seeing his life in its full context one is able to understand the true meaning of the "revelations from Allah." Spencer consistently reminds the reader that all of Muhammad's atrocious characteristics and actions are being told by either Muhammad or those who believed him to be the true prophet. The book is based in historical, biographical writings from those who thought Muhammad was the epitome of morality, or the "perfect man" as the Quran describes him.
  
  Spencer spends the bulk of the book simply stating this history of Muhammad, but in the last section he describes the modern context--how Muslims continue to see Muhammad as a role model for good behavior. Spencer contrasts the religion of Islam with other cultures at the time, separating cultural norms from religious dogma. His analysis attempts to explain why societies in Europe or America have overcome much of their injustice while the societies in the Middle East remain intolerant and violent. Could it be, perhaps, that their role model for good behavior was a rapist pedophile who had 12 wives he was known to beat? Or was it that he led 27 unprovoked battles and believed Islam's role was to force infidels to submit through violence?
  
  The Quran commands Muslims to follow Muhammad's life the closest they can, and many are still trying to live up to him to this day. Spencer outlines this problem and, rather than accusing Islam of not being a "religion of peace," he calls on the reader (and Westernized Muslims) to simply be honest with Islam's past rather than denying it and shoving it under the rug. The evidence is irrefutable and its history and doctrine, while sometimes confused and muddled in inconsistent texts, must be understood by the West in order to effectively respond to the violent threats being made in the name of the "prophet of peace."
  
  

• America Alone: The End of the World As We Know It
• The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades)
• Because They Hate: A Survivor of Islamic Terror Warns America
• While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam is Destroying the West from Within
• Infidel