If more people outside of Islam knew the origins of Islam, the true history of its founder and what Islam's plan for the world is, they would not be agreeing with those who state that Islam is a religion of peace.

I find it fascinating that most Muslims do not truly know the origins of this hate-filled religion. Most have not even read their own Quran, simply leaving it to their clerics to tell them what it says and what it means! What is this, the Dark Ages? For Islam and its followers, apparently.

Muhammad's history as presented by Spencer is accurate and anyone who truly wants to know about Muhammad can do exactly what Spencer did to learn the truth.

It is reprehensible that under Islamic law, women should be packaged in shrouds when out in public. Please, do not insult my intelligence by trying to tell me that you love your women so fully that you are actually showing them respect! It is rephrensible that supposedly "peaceful" Muslims do not, nor will not decry the murdering rampages of the equally supposed militant extremists.

The facts about Islam are undeniable. Ultimately, proponents and believers of Islam see Islam as becoming the dominant one-world religion. Nothing else will be tolerated and the choice will be given to convert or be executed.

The people here who fail to believe Spencer, choosing instead to go by Armstrong, who is nothing more than a puppet, do so to their own peril.

There is nothing in the Quran or the Hadith that endeavors to engender love, or compassion on anyone OUTSIDE of Islam. In fact, for any Muslim who becomes what would be considered an apostate or infidel, their punishment is the same.

We have warring factions of Islamic believers running rampant all over this world and Islam has YET to prove that it is a religion of peace.

Anyone who KNOWS Muhammad's history would find it incredible to believe that one whose hands were so personally bloodied by murder and carnage could possibly create a religion in which its alleged chief proponent is peace. Muhammad and peace are diametrically opposed to one another and any peace that IS extended is ONLY extended to devout Muslim MEN, and that is tenuous at best.

Wake up folks! Anyone who believes the lie that Islam is peaceful either has their head in the sand, or they are unwilling to notice that the sword hanging in the air above them, is poised for their neck!

Thank you, Robert Spencer, for taking the risk necessary to write this book!!

Positives: Stays within the scope of the subject and does not meander around. Interesting, relevant quotes that support his take. Draws conclusions that seem logical. I am no expert but try to understand this religion through a variety of sources. This book was helpful.

Deltas: I would have liked some more insight as to other reasons, besides Muhammad, that make this, in his opinion, "the Wold's Most Intolerant Religion."

Overall: I also recommend "No god but God" by Aslan as another reference point.

May this author burn in Hell; he's the real intolerant person!!! Muhammmad (peace and blessings of Almighty God be upon him) was Ar-Rahmat ul-'Aalameen), a mercy to mankind. Go and read the Qur'aan to find about it. See what Muslims have to say. The Holy Qur'an says that when an evil doer comes to you with new, confirm it. My advice is to confirm the real truth, as only the truth can set you free from lies like that which the author so falsely describes as "truth."

dont waste your money and time. author is good writter but did not research or understand what he was writting. I wish he could share what he was smoking when he wrote this book.

First of all let me begin by saying that Robert Spencer is a highly regarded and very well respected expert on Islam for those of us who are not afraid to acknowledge the "inconvenient facts" that Islam is an intolerant, hate filled religion that is incompatible with human rights. This book describes the Prophet Muhammad's life and teachings as well as battles and conquests, and, as all of Mr. Spencer's books it is meticulously researched using original, authentic Islamic sources. Mr. Spencer is fair and always faithful to the facts while recognizing the true nature of Islam. After reading this one hopes the reader will walk away with a very real sense of the grim realities that are ahead if people continue to buy into the "Islam is love and peace" propaganda.

When I was young, I mistakenly assumed that Mohammed was must have been a peaceful prophet, and probably behaved a lot like Jesus. I was horrified to learn that Mohammed was in fact a bloodthirsty warlord who personally beheaded more than a hundred of his enemies. This brilliant book makes it very clear -- proving conclusively using actual Islamic sources -- what Mohammed was really all about.

well as a reading addict who reads anything in hand i didn't find this book to be fair. honestly speaking. i'm not gonna defend islam or anything, i just hate intolerance and feel sick of people who try to alter truths. love islam...hate islam...love christianity....hate...etc whoever you are just don't listen to people discribing someone else's religion or beliefs. i give you an example: judiasm may sound bad when you hear an anti-semi talking about it, but when you see thier side of the story the picture gets brighter. go to the source of something when you want to learn about it. who said that so and so a are sincere.
guys we can't let a bunch of people control the way we think. freedom of mind and thinknig is a big issue in a world were they minipulate all things

Robert Spencer has written a number of books exploring the facets of Islam that we in the west should be made aware of. This book is in fact a collection of essays mostly by other experts on Islam. As the title suggests, it presents itself as an expose of the myth that perpetually shrouds Islam as a religion of peace. As well as exploring the origins of Islam and it's prophet Mohamed, there is a historical examination of how Islam has treated those citizens whom it has ruled but who have not accepted the faith of Islam itself. The book also is revealing in it's exposure of the Palestinian problem by linking the mindset of the Arab with Islam and how this affects the Arab's world view.

This book takes bits of rumor and fact out of context and distorts them to paint a picture that woefully misrepresents the history of Islam. When he does provide some context, it is distorted and inaccurately portrayed.

For example, the author's discussion of Muhammad's marriage to a nine-year-old named Ayesha is pure sensationalism. The marriage was arranged for political reasons (Muhammad's nomadic tribal culture had a view of marriage that placed great importance on the politics of the families in the tribe), historical evidence indicates the marriage was not consummated until many years later, and age was measured very inaccurately in Arab tribes. Even to this day, the year of one's birth in a nomadic Arab tribe is not well-recorded and many adults do not know their actual age.

The author's biased approach could also be taken with the Bible and its history - for example, using the Bible's acceptance of slavery to portray Christianity as a violent, uncompassionate religion. As a Christian, I would find such a misrepresentation very offensive and ignorant, and for the same reasons, this author's attempt to misrepresent history and sow misunderstanding is reprehensible - whether out of ignorance or a personal agenda.

If you're looking for a thorough and well-written account of Muhammad's life, try Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by Martin Lings. Or if you're really looking for a history of the Middle East, try A Brief History of the Middle East by Christopher Catherwood.

Like so many Americans, most of what I've learned about Islam I've learned from the "talking heads" of the media. And again, like so many Americans, I often wondered what exactly drives someone to such extreme hatred as to not only blow themselves up but hundreds of innocent men, women and children in the name of their god. In "The Truth About Muhammed", Robert Spencer gives an easy-to-read, straightfoward, detailed account of the "rationale" Islamists use to justify their actions. After reading this, I now longer call jihadists "Muslim extremists". It appears that all of those Muslims that DON'T blow themselves up are the radicals.

I was dismayed when I read this book. It was full of twisted lies and hate filled opinions. I felt that it is books like this and authors like this who really cause all the distress and hatred in this world. Shame on you Robert Spencer. It seems like you really want to cause war and killings between people rather than creating a world of peace, love and harmony.

I first saw Robert Spencer in a documentary entitled, "What the West Needs to Know About Islam" and found him to be almost too articulate. This book by Spencer details the life of Muhammad in the same style which makes for interesting reading. It is based entirely on Islamic sources and divided into ten chapters. The first two set the tone of the book and introduces the reader to the relevance of its subject, especially in the Western world. One might get the impression that the writer is biased against Islam but this fades as the book progresses.

Chapters 3 through 9 explore the details of the life of Muhammad with particular emphasis on the battles and actions of Muhammad that might seem objectionable by today's standards. Spencer makes it clear wherever the reader might miss the point. In fairness, he also includes events where Muhammad acted magnanimously. These chapters are the equivalent of the "director's cut" of what most Muslim children in moderate Muslim societies are probably taught in their Islamic classes in school. In short, it's the same historical record with the not-so-positive aspects also thrown in.

The last chapter summarizes Muhammad's legacy from Spencer's point of view. It appears he is genuinely frightened for the free world - especially the West - and believes curbing jihadist Islam is the answer. He does not advocate eliminating Islam altogether, but rather supports the idea of helping along its reform. For a book just over 200 pages, it is quite scholarly. There is a chronology of Muhammad's life and summary of names and places at the beginning of the book which makes it easy to quickly recollect certain facts. There is also a reasonable section for notes at the back and an index, which is always helpful. I'm glad I bought the hardcover edition because the book itself is quite lovely too.

In summary, it is good reference material on Islam for any library. Most of the books written about Islam are in its praise so even if this one seems to lean a little against Islam, I think it makes for a much-needed balanced view. After all, the facts are the facts. Why shouldn't Westerners (and especially Muslims) have access to all of them? Anything that is true should be able to stand up to scrutiny. I'm sure Robert Spencer is willing to be taken to task if anything he has written is blatantly false. At the very least, we should let people decide for themselves.

Since 911, Americans have become interested in Islam. For Muslims, 911 was the biggest mistake they ever made. 'The Truth About Muhammad: Founder of the World's Most Intolerant Religion', is one of many available (in this country) books that show Muhammad for the despicable creature that he was.

Islam is lame brained plagiarism of Christianity. Muhammad ranks right "up" there with Jim Jones and David Koresh.

In general, I think that this is just the kind of book that Islam needs in its struggle to overcome its idolization of the Prophet. Islam, of all religions, ought to be able to rise above its founder, rather than treating him as the perfect man and exemplar--a dangerous precedent indeed. Muslims have made Muhammad the partner of God. Until Muslims can renounce that partnership, they will be as idolatrous as any people on the planet. If they can ever become the iconoclasts that Muhammad aspired to be, their religion might become the most rational religion of all. Smash thine own idols, O ye true Muslims.

I do not think this book is perfectly executed. There are a couple cases where angry, bloodthirsty Muslims are quoted from internet sources. What any nut says online can hardly be taken as authoritative. I think that Spencer ought to have sought out leading Muslims instead.

The topic and content of the book is most revealing and disturbing if true. The documentations he cites, particulary the constant recitation of names becomes a bit monotonous and the listener may loose concentration. After listening to the CD's, I bought a copy of the Koran to see if the statements and citations made are correct. So far, his quotes seem to check out.. I have an open mind and will check other sources. If what Mr. Spencer claims turns out to be true about the danger of Islam, the free thinking world is in trouble.

This book was informative for me. While many non-Muslims know a little something about Muhammad, this book provides a lot of historical fact and, more importantly, context. While some have accused the author of taking facts out of context, he repeatedly explains the circumstances and historical backdrop. What's important for us today, is how he connects Muhammad's words (or Allah's)and the hadith to both radical Islam and, to a certain extent, the ambivalence of the Muslim communities who dare not publicly condemn terror attacks committed in the name of Islam.
Most religions have corrupted their founders' teachings over time (Christians, Buddhists,etc.), but the foundations of those religions were not based on violence, assassination and intolerance.
Even if one opines that Muhammad was merely a man of his time, then that time has long passed. There are too many who want to return to that anachronistic historical context; I think that's the point of the book.

I have nothing but contempt for Islam and it's adherents. This books only confirms what I already believed. All religions have questionable records through the ages, but Islam continues to be the worst of all of them.

Robert Spencer's "The Truth About Muhammad" (2006 224-page hardback) presents the mysterious, and often hard to locate, life of Muhammad the originator of Islam. This documentary style text offers a plethora religious and secular sources (with 17 pages of end notes) that answer many of the long-held vexing questions about the prophet of Islam's life, character, psyche, and invention of "the world's most intolerant religion". In a word, Spencer's research and presentation are- fascinating.

The author's scholarship is apparent from the beginning as the book opens with an informative "chronology of Muhammad's life" and a helpful "names and places" list for Arabic words and locations. Spencer understands his book not as a comprehensive biography of Muhammad but rather "an examination of some aspects of his life that non-Muslims find problematic" (page 11).

With astute precision and source documentation the text shows the difference between "Muslim" and "Islamist" (page 7), how the qur'anic Allah is not the biblical Yahweh (page 17), Judaism's rejection of Muhammad from Islam's beginnings (pages 38-39), the heretical Christian Waraqa's yoking of Muhammad (page 43), the origins of Jerusalem as Islam's third holiest city (pages 83-87), and much more.

Muhammad's earliest chief biographer (Ibn Ishaq), Muhammad's vengeful generalship, how Muslims transformed rape into adultery, Muhammad's curses on Islam's enemies, Muhammad's home life (with nine wives), and the birth of jihad at the hands of the prophet are thoroughly discussed.

Additionally, Spencer takes to task various modern revisionist authors who, seemingly, seek to put a 21st century face on the 7th century prophet. His opinions are poignant and intriguing. One wonders if his claims will solicit a revisionist response.

This book is recommended to everyone wondering about Islam, Muhammad, and 21st century Muslims.

This book provided a good overview and some interesting insights into the life, times and teaching of Muhammad. Like most biographies of religious leaders and founders, it reminds us that they are human...very human. And the times that they lived in coloured both their beliefs and actions.Muhammad had to survive in some of the toughest social and environmental conditions of his time. He is no model of the Enlightenment! His teaching and actions are no worse than what we read in the Old Testament!

How far the majority of Moslems literally follow the ways of their prophet is open to question. Fanatics (and we have them in all religions) often appeal to their leader for 'inspiration' or justification for their anti-moral activities.

A good read, all the same.

umm ignorance is bliss. most of the arguments used are nothing new and are but a collection of old european prejudices ranging from brits to the french. well we muslims have seen this through the last 1000 years and there is no reason for us to suppose that its going to stop anytime soon. something akin to the protocols of the elders of zion. or antisemitism. actually most people dont even realise that being anti arab and anti muslim makes u an anti-semite. yes arabs too are semites. and even though there are non arab muslims, its the same as having non semitic jews, jewish tribes from africa, india are hardly considered semitic. so i would argue that mr robert spencer first and foremost is an antisemite and must be branded so.
now the prophet muhammed on whom eternal peace be bestowed upon as we wish for moses and jesus, was a great man, ayesha his supposedly 9 year old wife is controversial since not even she knew her true age when she was married. imagine how important was it keeping up with ur birthdays 1400 years ago, its a subject of considerable debate and the woman ayesha was considerably aware of herself and what was happening to her. if anyone cares to read the memoirs of ayesha, then they will find that she remembered her marriage quite clearly and was able to give consent to her marriage with maturity and clarity. she was also quite anxious for marriage and not a little proud at the thought of marrying the prophet. not exactly the sort of things that go around in a 9 year olds head. there is no doubt that she was young but exaclty how old remains a matter of conjecture. consider that even the prophets birthday is not exactly known and is a matter of debate.t hings in those days were not as precise as living in the modern age. consider this that there is very little physical evidence proving the existence of jesus, but for religous texts including the quran. as for the jewish tribe that was destroyed, please read deeper. they betrayed the prophet and planned his destruction. muhammed asked a jewish tribal leader what was the punishment for their behaviour and what was meted out was standard protocol of the time. muhammad was but a man, above all a human with the same human desires that flow in us, a man with power, a man who had to go through the same ordeals, temptations, greed, avarice that we go through in our daily lives. he was a man who brought the word of god to us but trembled at the thought of judgement day. he feared for his soul till the last day. he was not even certain where his destiny lay in heaven or hell though being a great prophet. certainly he might have made mistakes, errors, for which he was truly apologetic. does that not make him human and a better person. that is the miracle that the tv evangelicals can never fathom that a man like muhammad, a good man but decidedly very human with the self doubts, anxiety that afflicts us all at some stage. how could he have had the power to become the most powerful man on earth in the desert and that the former illiterate goat herder could lay waste to three of the biggest empires of that time, the roman empire, the persian empire, and the byzantine empire. and in its place came islam like a tidal wave of energy, soon omnipresent and still the fastest growing religion on the planet. can islam become the religion of mankind. is that what the fear is, it certainly was when the pope declared the crusades of the 11th century and now the neo crusades launched. the players are different but the game is ancient. muhammed is dead and gone. we are grateful to him for bringing the message but his job is over. for all the islamophobes we say have the courage to deal with us directly and not take cheap pot shots at a dead man. how would you feel if some one slandered your dead fathers life . as a son i would say do u really want a piece of me now. so for all the robert spencers of the world remember truth will prevail and islam will only be stronger. for every crusade there is a Saladin waiting to happen. amen

Think again! If all you know, about Islam, is that it is the religion of an oppressed people, or that it is a religion that was hijacked by a few loony charismatic jihadists think again. You need to get educated especially in this day in age where we do not expect new Americans to assimilate themselves to our way of life here in the States. They are growing in number and strength...so wake up.

This is a very well documented book concerning the history of Muhammad. For me, this was an eye-opener into the religion of Islam and his history. While the book certainly, through history and sources, has a very negative slant towards the current view that Islam is the religion of peace (not sure how it even received that title), the author presents very good points and even a counter-balance to some of his thoughts. Well worth the read!

The truth is easy to know... It's consistently confirmed by what we see. Spencer's research and facts are absolutely proven today by Islamists practicing exactly what Muhammad preached and taught 1400 years ago: Violence and intolerance.

Muhammad's teachings and example are the primary reasons for today's terrorist attacks on innocent civilians throughout the world, and the main reason that mainstream Islam neglects to seriously condemn those atrocities.

Islamic apologists attempt to dull and distract the recognition of Islam's intolerance and violence by bringing up examples of poor "Christian" conduct... conduct that does not bear any resemblance to the teachings of Jesus. But again the truth is hard to miss. The contrast between Jesus' clear teachings of love and forgiveness, and Muhammad's stark violence and intolerance is absolutely unmistakable.

Spencer's book clearly illustrates Muhammad's poor example of behavior, and although I've read much complaining from apologists, I have yet to see anyone come close to refuting Spencer's logic and research.

An excellent, bravely written book.

Spencer gives a stark and honest look at the how radical islam has used the life of muhammad to rationalize terror. Anyone who wonders how a religious doctine from the 7th century can plague the 21st should read this book.

If Robert Spencer's assertions are true (that Islam is the most intolerant religion), then ALL churches, synagogues, temples, shrines and statues (Middle East, Indian subcontinent, SouthEast Asia) would have been destroyed. The various Muslim civilisations had the might, but the religion of Islam placed restrictions on them, and reminded them that The Lord of Manking was Compassionate, Merciful, Generous, Beautiful, and He had given "laws unto every nation".

This is something that Muslims today have forgotten about their own tradition, not to mention the vast majority of Western society.

I read this book after examining the Koran myself. I found the book objective and enlightening. It showed me other key sources useful in understanding the Islamic beliefs.

How come christian Copts in Eygpt, and in other parts of the arab world survived for 1400 years? write a new edition to unravel the mystry behind it? SeeYaa :)

Wow! This book must have taken a lot of effort to write, and a lot of hate as well. I know a LOT about the prophet Mohamed and I love him more than I love myself. So off course I was hurt by all the things the author wrote. Islam is the religion of intolerance what rot has he even actually studied the Islamic history where Jews and Christians lived in peace and had equal rights. Yes, equal rights. They were doctors and scholars most noted was Saladin's physician. Know, back to the book which had many errors. First of all, the prophet's father died before his birth and not "soon after he was born". Plus his uncle Abu Talib didn't take him to Basra to visit a Syrian monk. He took him there because Mohamed asked if he could come with his uncle and learn the ways of trading. Robert Spencer couldn't get these easy facts straight about the life of the prophet and basically goes on and on, on how the prophet Mohamed is well for lack of another word bad. If you hate Islam or want to learn about it from a man who hates it, read this book. It's filled with reasons or shall I say the authors beliefs of why he believes what Muslims and more than a thousand years of history proves is the most tolerant religion is actually the most intolerant religion.

This wanan-be auther sounds like another Muslim hater. driven by HIS OWN INTOLERANT VIEWS. Not much different from the Christian Crusaders of past centuries. The Prophet Mohammed and his devine message is aimed at everyone. People have a choice to follow or deviate. Many redeculed Jesus initially, but eventually some followed while others didn't. It's a choice everyone has to make.

This minimilist Author decided not only to follow his own path, but to attack a devine message. I guess he would of done the same to Jesus & Moses to sell his worthless cheap words. Don't buy this piece of nonesense. Waste of money and time.

Although the title of the book is precise and to the point, the book itself is disorganized. It takes a great deal of work to align the book with the title.

Although I found this book informative, I would not use this book as the sole source of information about Muhammad.

I was interested in this book due to its posted claims and in order to learn more about the author's views about Islam. I myself am an American born Muslim scholar who has actually studied in Muslim circles although I have been raised entirely in the US and currently work in the medical field alongside my religious studies and duties.

As a scholar approaching this book, I discovered numerous errors - in fact they were so many that I could have written another book from the errors of the first 80 pages alone. Beyond the errors though I was far more concerned by something else that Mr. Spencer and his devoted fan-base clearly display - hate. I am a practicing Muslim which to many of Mr. Spencer's readers equates to being a terrorist, yet as a medical professional I instead spend my working days helping injured and sick Americans from all walks of life. This drive within me has been greatly nurtured by the Prophet Muhammad's teachings. In my Muslim community, as well as dozens of others that I have been privileged to visit around the US, I see Muslims working hard to be patient with much of the prejudice and hate directed their way by ignorant people who want to hold every Muslim responsible for 9/11.

It doesn't matter to them that Muslim scholars have gone online, on the radio and even on tv to disown Bin Laden and his errant ideas; it doesn't matter that in 9/11 and every incident of "Muslim" terrorism since even before that time that many Muslims were in fact part of the casualties as well; it doesn't matter that in recent surveys over 70% of Muslim-Americans report that they have experienced at least one incident of prejudice or hate as a direct result of their religious practices. So, the only thing I can see coming from works by alleged scholars such as Robert Spencer is an increase in hate, misinformation and confusion. You make the problem worse instead of contributing to any sort of a solution.

So for anyone who may read this who is sincerely interested in learning what Islam is really about and what the Prophet Muhammad really taught, I would suggest maybe learning about Islam from someone who actually practices it, someone who has actually studied it with Islamic scholars who can clarify some of the misconceptions and questions that may arise from reading through the Islamic scriptures. Some of the best authors in this regard are Dr. Ali Shehata Demystifying Islam: Your Guide to the Most Misunderstood Religion of the 21st Century, Yahiya Emerick The Life and Work of Muhammad (Critical Lives) and Charles Le Gai Eaton Islam and the Destiny of Man (Suny Series, Islam) among others.

One of the best ways to learn more about Islam and Muslims is to check with a Mosque in your area which will also give you the opportunity to actually meet Muslims - it may be that then you will see that the overwhleming majority of us Muslims are just as American, just as human and just as concerned about the threat of radical extremism in our religion as you are - and maybe then we can start building bridges of understanding, cooperation and mutual respect that can help us to actually put an end to the terrorist threat and allow everyone to get on with their lives in peace.

While it is certainly true that Spencer utilizes recognized primary sources to construct his arguments, he fails entirely to place the sources in context, or interpret them in a manner consistent with the vast majority of Muslims. I find it heavily amusing that he believes so strongly in Islam's intolerance that he includes it in his title. The reason for this amusement is that up until modern times (Ottoman Empire forward), Islam was arguably the most tolerant of the three religions of the book. In addition to this, Islam is the only one of the three which allows for Muslims, Christians, and Jews to be judged equally (Al-Baqarah 112). When compared to Christianity's views on salvation, and its history of Conversion by the sword (1st-5th crusades, Spanish Inquisition), Islam looks quite tolerant.

take Spencer with a grain of salt. His citations of the hadiths, Qur'an, and other primary sources may be correct, but his conclusions are massively off. You would be better off reading the Qur'an yourself and making your own decisions, as it is fairly obvious that Spencer is merely playing off of America's current ignorance of Islam to paint a picture consistent with our stereotypes.

This is a very eye opening book about the founder of one of the world's most dominant religions. The author uses Muslim references to obtain his facts. He also quotes Muslim scholars and what they have to say. It is not a long book, but it is packed with very informative and very eye opening information about Muhammad and his followers. This book will help people understand the ideas and motivation behind why so many Muslims in the Middle East and elsewhere can be dangerous. This is not a book on Muslims today, as a rule, but does greatly help one understand why many radical Muslims act as they do. It is an easy read and very informative. He explains why the Jewish people are looked down upon along with the Christians, and goes into why the various areas like Medina and Mecca are so important to Islam. I think this is a very good book for anyone wanting to greater understand the reasoning behind Islam, and the man that founded it.

This is a good book for anti-Islamic enthusiasts. But if one is looking for a good book on Islam and Islam's Prophet Muhammad, I'm afraid one will have to look elswhere.

Firstly, many non-scholars who write books about Islam will not use normal hermeneutical principles when reading and interpreting Quran passages, even if they are biblical scholars who believe the Bible must be interpreted according to specific principles. For instance, several there are passages in several chapters of the Quran that give rules for defensive warfare. The early Muslim state was attacked by the rulers of Mecca who didn't want to remove the idols from the Kaaba because of the prestige Mecca had being the focus of worship for all the tribes of the Arabian Penninsula. Thus, the Meccan rulers declared war on the early Muslims, continuing the persecution against the early Muslims on a larger scale now that there was an Islamic state in Medina. It was not until then that Muslims fought any wars. Some chapters of the Quran will have passages without conditions when discussing warfare, but these passages must be interpreted by those passages which have conditions. Certainly, not all who call themselves Muslims follow that interpretative principle. But then, not all Christians have at all times and places have followed the traditional Christian view of a just war, either.

Secondly, after the death of Islam's prophet, the Islamic Government soon became imperialist. The Myth is that Islam was spread by the sword. However, later caliphs (successors to the Prophet) conquered lands so they get get the taxes from the Christians and Jews and Zoroastrians and others, despite the Quranic teaching that warfare must be defensive. Traditional Sunni Muslims usually believe their were only 4 very good Caliphs, the first 4 after the death of Islam's Prophet (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali Ibn Talib). Traditional Shia Muslims believe only Ali Ibn Talib (cousin of Muhammad and husband of his daughter Fatima) was a very good caliph. After the murder of Ali, the Caliphate became a dynasty of the Ummayad family. The first Ummayad ruler, Muhawiya, was the son of Abu Sufyan, the leader of the Meccans who became a Muslim after a treaty between the Muslim State and Mecca was broken by agents of the Meccans. Muhawiya's son, Caliph Yazid, demanded fealty from Ali's son Husain and would not let Husain and his followers go into exile. When Husain refused to give fealty to a Caliph that Husain believed openly did not emulate the Prophet, Yazid's army fought and killed Husain small group of follows and all but one of his sons. In the time of the Ummayad dynasty, the name of Ali was cursed within the Islamic caliphate. Many histories which came to be used by Sunni Muslims were written at the time of the Ummayads that sometimes have different accounts of early Islamic history than in the Shia books. These books are considered "authentic" by the Sunnis but are not considered to always be reliable by Shias.

Some examples of differences between one Sunni history or another, and one Sunni history and Shia history follow: Some Sunni histories say that Muhammad had a speck of "black" taken from his heart by the Angel Gabriel. Shias state that never happened. Some Sunni books state that that Muhammad didn't know he was supposed to be a Prophet and also that he was afraid and thought he was demon-possesed. Not so according to Shia books. One Sunni history states that Muhammad consumated his marriage to Aisha the daughter of future caliph Abu Bakr when she was 9 years old. What many anti-Muslim scholars will not tell you is that other Sunni histories say she was 14 or 15 years old, and that Shia books say she was 18, and that Muhammad was not really interested in marrying her but did so to please Abu Bakr and his party. Now, why would histories that paint Muhammad in a bad light be written during the Ummayad dynasty? Perhaps to undermine Ali and Husain and their supporters (who became know later as the Shia Muslims).

Thus, The Truth about Muhammad does not really give the whole truth about Muhammad. Why not buy the classic Sunni histories and read them for yourself. They are available in English translation. One can buy Shia books that discuss Muslim history from the Shia viewpoint (although not all the histories have been translated into English).

However, for those who don't want to understand Muslims, one can read this book. There are those who call themselves Muslims who don't want to try to understand Christianity or the West. What happens when one group doesn't want to understand the other? I believe the answer is too obvious to state here.

This is a detailed exploration of the meaning of the Qur'an, and the sayings of Muhammad. Spencer informs the reader that the Qur'an is not set down in chronological order. Rather, it is arranged from longest verse to shortest verse.

As the word of God, the Qur'an can never be amended by man, but verses can be abrogated by God. God can change His mind, and make earlier verses void. However, those same voided verses must remain in the Qur'an, as God did not direct that the voided verses should be removed.

Spencer guides the reader through this confusion, by explaining which verses are still in effect. The reader needs to obtain one of the translations of the Qur'an, referenced by Spencer, inorder to be able to to lookup the Qu'ranic verses to which he refers.

The peaceful verses of the Qur'an, with regard to the treatment of nonbelievers, date from the Meccan period, when Islam was struggling to get established. Those verses of the Qur'an, added after Muhammad fled to Medina, exhort the believers to make war upon the nonbelievers, and to spread the religion by force.

Those who mantain that Islam is a religion of peace, are referenceing verses which have been abrogated, or voided,and are no longer in effect.

A must read for anyone seeking to understand Islam.

Perhaps it was the sequence of presentation, but I marvaled at the great number of revelations allegedly from Allah,conveniently acquired that Muhammad used to find answers to simple daily problems. I can't believe that. It is too convenient for the man.

It's so refreshing to get real insight into the root of rationalizations used by those who perpetrate jihad upon the rest of us. Muhammad as a fallible being is censored from our lives--now by Politically Correct, uninformed idealogues, in the past by the distortions perpetrated by Islamic "historians." That the Islamists have turned their prophet into a spiritual pimp is apparent to all who know of the 72-virgins-in-heaven promise. That they use his trickery, duplicity, and hatred for Jews and Christians as justification for all of their atrocities against non-muslims is also well-known. The "why" is given a focus for the Western reader, and those knowledgably deprived when it comes to actual history. An excellent and quick read. Buy it, read it, and pass it on.

"The Truth About Muhammad" should be required reading for all non-Muslim faiths of the world so that each individual can understand that Islam is not a Religion of peace and most members of their faith adhere to the Jihad belief in inflicting death to all Hebrews, Christians, and Other Faiths if they do not subject themselves to the inflexibility of the Muslim faith. The Jihad which Mohammad said all Muslims should follow if they are true Muslims, gives three choices to believers, conversion to Islam, pay a tax for existing along these people as a second class citizen, or war (death). For those whom the Jihad do not consider believers, the Hindus, Buddhists, Taoist, etc the only two choices are convert to Islam or war (death). Know the Facts so that you can make educated decisions based on your own analysis of this data and the situation that this book has depicted.

When talking to various Muslims, many say they do not support the Jihad, but Muslim children in many parts of the world have been viewed watching the atrocities that the Jihad has inflicted on the world, are cheering and acting very proud of these atrocities, and these children are being influenced by parents, family, siblings, and/or any number of other influential peoples in their lives. This shows that there is greater support for the Jihad than the moderate Muslims would have us believe. This oblivion to this situation, by the moderate Muslims and the World Leaders, and other Religions of the World, of the programming of the Muslim children to hate a people that they do not know and have never met is only creating more hate and fear through brainwashing of the next generation of citizens of a world that is already in chaotic upheaval.

We must wake up and scrutinize the Muslims within our cultures in all areas of life. We should especially focus on those Muslims seeking immigration and admittance to our countries. We must begin restricting unchecked immigration of large numbers of these people into our societies. Those Muslims who are being questioned about citizenship or admittance to a country should be subjected to lie detector testing and other means of evaluating galvanic and other emotional responses as pertinent questions are asked about their faith and their support of these atrocities and being potential assassins bring hate and destruction to our lands, to try and restrict admittance to only those who are not fanatics trying to kill and fulfill Jihad ideas. We must consider expelling family members associated with terrorist activists. Our legislators must recognize that there is a war going on, which the Jihad initiated on September 11, 2001, and this situation is going to do nothing but continue to decline and result in unimaginable bloodshed and destruction.

These ideas are only food for thought. This is presented in an effort to get people to recognize the critical nature of this situation and to create a social awareness of the critical nature of this problem and hopefully develop necessary deterrents and/or preparedness to minimize the potential disasters of that this movement is prepared to inflict upon the world.

The author, while giving a very scholarly review of Islam, is a bit boring to read. Most of his more important points about Islam are made in his more recent book, Religion of Peace? Why Chistianity is and Islam Isn't. That is the book that I think everybody in America needs to read.

A simple review of how Islam has in fact treated those of other faiths or no faith at all is reason enough to be alarmed. The next big terror attack by Islamists should wake the remainder of the people up. These are not radical Muslims carrying out the attacks. They are those who really are walking out the teachings of Muhammad, such as "Kill the unbelievers wherever you find them" and "Be ruthless to the unbelievers".

But don't believe me. See for yourself by purchasing one or both of Spencer's books, and checking out a copy of the Koran from the library. He will show you where to find quotations such as the above by chapter and verse.

My best friend in graduate school was a Muslim from Pakistan working on his PhD a number of years ago. When I took a course in Arabic, most of the graduate students around me spoke Arabic as a first or second language, and were most helpful in my coursework. I ate in their homes and they in mine. But where Muslims achieve a majority status, and sharia law is instituted, it's a whole new world. You will either become a Muslim, accept second class status as a non-Muslim, or die at their hand. Those are the options that Muhammad gave. But, once again, don't take my word for it, read Spencer's books. Specially read Spencer's more boring book under review here, if you really want a book based on Islamic sources. He is thorough.

This book offers nothing that a person reasonably knowledgable about Islam doesn't already know. Of course, Muhammad was not only the founder of a new religion but a military leader who unified the Arabian tribes by force. He then began to spread Islam outside Arabia. However, it was the Islamic caliphs who followed him that, within 100 years of Muhammad's death, had defeated the Byzantine and Persian empires, spreading Islam all the way from Spain to India.

Basically, all this book does is explain Muhammad's life as a leader who used the military tactics of the 7th century to spread Islam. Spencer uses various quotes from the Qur'an and the hadiths in order to depict Muhammad in the worst possible light. But Muhammad was who he was - a man who believed that God that told him he was the last and greatest prophet of the monotheistic tradition, previously established by Judaism and Christianity, and that it was his duty to spread Islam, by force if necessary. There is really nothing new or shocking about Muhammad here. In fact, I found the book a tremendous bore.

I do recognize Islamic terroism as a serious problem. The last 30 years has seen a tremendous surge in the power and influnce of Islamic extremism. But most Muslim countries also have a substantial number of Muslim moderates who wish to establish peaceful, democratic and prosperous nations. A good, if suprising, example of this is Iran, where at least half the people wish to see more moderate leaders in power. Unfortunately, the fanatical mullahs and their political allies still maintain control. But the moderate movement in Iran is strong and determined. Certainly, the United States should support these moderates and help them achieve power instead of depicting the whole country as an "Axis Of Evil".

Islam is a religion of 1 billion people, around 1/5 of the world's population. Obviously, it is neither possible nor desirable to conquer this many people through military methods. Our only reasonable course of action is to promote moderate Muslims and seek to lessen the reasons -such as poverty and hopelessness - that continue to draw certain Muslims to terroist organizations such as Al'Queda. Spencer's book promotes only further hatred, intolerance and warfare.

It would seem that the overwhelming majority of western civilization is working overtime in order to prove the old adage:

"...those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

In view of the darkness that lurks in our human history, the idea of repeating such history is no pleasant thought. But this is exactly what we find happening throughout the world today as many world leaders are trying desperately to find a peaceful middle-ground between Islam and the rest of the world. Yet it is this premise of finding a peaceful middle-ground that is so enigmatic, especially when one considers the core beliefs of Islam as revealed in the Qur'an. It is to this very point that Robert Spencer's book, The Truth about Muhammad - Founder of the Word's Most Intolerant Religion, shows just how dangerous it is to remain ignorant about the history of Islam. Within the short span of 194 pages, Spencer manages to synthesize three crucial Arabic texts (the Qur'an, the Hadith and the Sira) in order to give a comprehensive history of Muhammad's life and warring conquests. He is factual, respectful, and measured in his own analysis of Islam's prophet. In the end, Spencer's historical analysis becomes a clear condemnation against those who would characterize Islam as a peaceful religion:

"...the example of Muhammad, the highest model for human behavior, constantly pulls them [Muslims] in a different direction. The fact that Western analysts continue to 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." p. 183.

Spencer's assessment of the West's bias is very important also, for it would seem that many in our culture are willing to ignore the facts of history in order to embrace a fantasy that is far less terrifying - and there are plenty of Islamic organizations who are eager to feed that fantasy. But those who endeavor to present Islam in a kinder light are forced to redact, or even ignore, the ultimate foundation of Islam itself:

"It is difficult, if not impossible, to maintain that Islam is a religion of peace when warfare and booty were among the chief preoccupations of the Prophet of Islam. Sincere Islamic reformers should confront these facts, instead of ignoring or glossing over them, and work to devise ways in which Muslims can retreat from the proposition that Muhammad's example is in all ways normative. If they do not do so, one outcome is certain: bloodshed perpetrated in the name of Islam and in imitation of its prophet will continue." pp. 176-77.

It is this centrality of Muhammed that makes it impossible to separate out the violence, bloodshed and world domination that is inherent in Islam's epistemology:

Qur'an 33:21. Ye have indeed in the Apostle of Allah 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.

Spencer is also careful to point out the fallacy which asserts that Islam is compatibility with Christianity (pp. 177-183). Many people in the mainstream media have advanced this false notion, however the Qur'an clearly denies the deity (Qur'an 4:171) and crucifixion of Jesus Christ (4:157) - two of the most central tenants of Christian faith, and yet many today (whether by ignorance, or by fantasy-chasing) have advanced the idea of Islam being favorable towards the Christian faith. However, the only way in which Muhammad ever demonstrated a partial tolerance of "Christians" is when they were willing to forsake their core beliefs as an act of subjugation under Islamic rule. It frankly strains the limits of credulity to say that this is "tolerance" and yet this has become yet another mantra within the chorus of Islamic apologetics today.

Finally, Spencer's work aids the reader in understanding the context of conflict within Islam when he states:

"The Sunni-Shi'ite fault line within Islam has given rise to considerable violence over the centuries, and in the twenty-first century threatens to erupt again into open war in Iraq, Pakistan, and elsewhere. It is a legacy entirely in keeping with the attitudes and behavior of the Prophet of Islam."

This is an outstanding work and I commend Mr. Spencer for his labors in it. I count this as a must read for anyone looking for an overview of Muhammed's life, and how his example is the very bedrock of Islam itself. As a final note, I have written this review shortly after Bishop Martinus Muskens reportedly advised his congregants to refer to God as Allah, saying: "God doesn't really care how we address Him." Though many in the world may view this as a form of lateral ecumenism, it is not. Besides apostasy from genuine Christianity itself, the bishop's actions are yet another example of fearful subjugation and historical ignorance - two diseases that are already plaguing our world today.

There's no arguing with facts- and the fact is that Islam, despite the assertions of multiculturalists and political milquetoasts like George Bush, is at its very heart a religion of violence and barbaric ethics. All one has to do to confirm that is to read the Koran- the very Word of God to Moslems- or to read about the blood-stained life of Muhammed- the Prophet and the most perfect object of emulation for Moslems- to see that violence, hatred, intolerance and subjugation of infidels is not a perversion of Islam but the natural fruit of Islam. Even though Christian nations throughout history have also behaved violently, no Christian could ever legitimately cite the New Testament as giving sanction to violence. The same can not be said about Islam.

Does this mean that we should treat every Moslem as a terrorist and murderer? No- a good majority of Moslems are inoffensive and live their lives in pursuit of the same goals as their Western neighbors. However, those people are not good Moslems, according to their own Prophet and their own Allah. Allah wants his faith to rule the earth, by the sword if necessary, and Satan take those who stand in the way of his holy warriors. This is why so long as people continue to hold Muhammed and his Koran as divinely inspired, every Moslem community- no matter how integrated and peaceful- is a potential incubator of terrorism.

There's hardly a word of this book that can be disputed. Mr. Spencer cites the Koran and various traditions chapter and verse. My only problem is with the author's political affiliations. An American or European nationalist would read this book and come to the conclusion that Moslem immigration must be stopped and repatriation begun, while also perhaps seeking alternative energy sources to reduce our dependence on Mideast oil. Mr. Spencer seems to be up to his neck in neoconservative (i.e. Zionist) associations and affiliations, which makes me question his motivations, loyalties and ultimate goals. He writes for David Horowitz's Frontpage magazine, the New York Post, the Washington Times, World Net Daily, Human Events, National Review, and most of the other neocon journals of opinion and pro-Israeli propaganda. These organs of Zionism fail to acknowledge that, despite Islam's violent theology, Moslems may very well have legitimate grievances in Palestine, Iraq and elsewhere and that our financial, diplomatic and military support for various Israeli policies contributes directly to anti-American terrorism. While an American nationalist would be satisfied keeping our nation Moslem-free and letting the Moslem countries stagnate in their own incompetence and backwardness, the neoconservatives' overriding goal is to destroy Israel's enemies in the Mideast. Therefore, while I agree with Mr. Spencer's points, I fear that his real objective, and that of his associates, is to get more young Americans to die for Israel in Iraq, Syria and Iran. Yes, Islam itself creates enemies for us, but how many more jihadists have we created by our own pro-Israeli policies and actions?

It would seem that the overwhelming majority of western civilization is working overtime in order to prove the old adage:

"...those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

In view of the darkness that lurks in our human history, the idea of repeating such history is no pleasant thought. But this is exactly what we find happening throughout the world today as many world leaders are trying desperately to find a peaceful middle-ground between Islam and the rest of the world. Yet it is this premise of finding a peaceful middle-ground that is so enigmatic, especially when one considers the core beliefs of Islam as revealed in the Qur'an. It is to this very point that Robert Spencer's book, The Truth about Muhammad - Founder of the Word's Most Intolerant Religion, shows just how dangerous it is to remain ignorant about the history of Islam. Within the short span of 194 pages, Spencer manages to synthesize three crucial Arabic texts (the Qur'an, the Hadith and the Sira) in order to give a comprehensive history of Muhammad's life and warring conquests. He is factual, respectful, and measured in his own analysis of Islam's prophet. In the end, Spencer's historical analysis becomes a clear condemnation against those who would characterize Islam as a peaceful religion:

"...the example of Muhammad, the highest model for human behavior, constantly pulls them [Muslims] in a different direction. The fact that Western analysts continue to 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." p. 183.

Spencer's assessment of the West's bias is very important also, for it would seem that many in our culture are willing to ignore the facts of history in order to embrace a fantasy that is far less terrifying - and there are plenty of Islamic organizations who are eager to feed that fantasy. But those who endeavor to present Islam in a kinder light are forced to redact, or even ignore, the ultimate foundation of Islam itself:

"It is difficult, if not impossible, to maintain that Islam is a religion of peace when warfare and booty were among the chief preoccupations of the Prophet of Islam. Sincere Islamic reformers should confront these facts, instead of ignoring or glossing over them, and work to devise ways in which Muslims can retreat from the proposition that Muhammad's example is in all ways normative. If they do not do so, one outcome is certain: bloodshed perpetrated in the name of Islam and in imitation of its prophet will continue." pp. 176-77.

It is this centrality of Muhammed that makes it impossible to separate out the violence, bloodshed and world domination that is inherent in Islam's epistemology:

Qur'an 33:21. Ye have indeed in the Apostle of Allah 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.

Spencer is also careful to point out the fallacy which asserts that Islam is compatibility with Christianity (pp. 177-183). Many people in the mainstream media have advanced this false notion, however the Qur'an clearly denies the deity (Qur'an 4:171) and crucifixion of Jesus Christ (4:157) - two of the most central tenants of Christian faith, and yet many today (whether by ignorance, or by fantasy-chasing) have advanced the idea of Islam being favorable towards the Christian faith. However, the only way in which Muhammad ever demonstrated a partial tolerance of "Christians" is when they were willing to forsake their core beliefs as an act of subjugation under Islamic rule. It frankly strains the limits of credulity to say that this is "tolerance" and yet this has become yet another mantra within the chorus of Islamic apologetics today.

Finally, Spencer's work aids the reader in understanding the context of conflict within Islam when he states:

"The Sunni-Shi'ite fault line within Islam has given rise to considerable violence over the centuries, and in the twenty-first century threatens to erupt again into open war in Iraq, Pakistan, and elsewhere. It is a legacy entirely in keeping with the attitudes and behavior of the Prophet of Islam."

This is an outstanding work and I commend Mr. Spencer for his labors in it. I count this as a must read for anyone looking for an overview of Muhammed's life, and how his example is the very bedrock of Islam itself. As a final note, I have written this review shortly after Bishop Martinus Muskens reportedly advised his congregants to refer to God as Allah, saying: "God doesn't really care how we address Him." Though many in the world may view this as a form of lateral ecumenism, it is not. Besides apostasy from genuine Christianity itself, the bishop's actions are yet another example of fearful subjugation and historical ignorance - two diseases that are already plaguing our world today.

There's no arguing with facts- and the fact is that Islam, despite the assertions of multiculturalists and political milquetoasts like George Bush, is at its very heart a religion of violence and barbaric ethics. All one has to do to confirm that is to read the Koran- the very Word of God to Moslems- or to read about the blood-stained life of Muhammed- the Prophet and the most perfect object of emulation for Moslems- to see that violence, hatred, intolerance and subjugation of infidels is not a perversion of Islam but the natural fruit of Islam. Even though Christian nations throughout history have also behaved violently, no Christian could ever legitimately cite the New Testament as giving sanction to violence. The same can not be said about Islam.

Does this mean that we should treat every Moslem as a terrorist and murderer? No- a good majority of Moslems are inoffensive and live their lives in pursuit of the same goals as their Western neighbors. However, those people are not good Moslems, according to their own Prophet and their own Allah. Allah wants his faith to rule the earth, by the sword if necessary, and Satan take those who stand in the way of his holy warriors. This is why so long as people continue to hold Muhammed and his Koran as divinely inspired, every Moslem community- no matter how integrated and peaceful- is a potential incubator of terrorism.

There's hardly a word of this book that can be disputed. Mr. Spencer cites the Koran and various traditions chapter and verse. My only problem is with the author's political affiliations. An American or European nationalist would read this book and come to the conclusion that Moslem immigration must be stopped and repatriation begun, while also perhaps seeking alternative energy sources to reduce our dependence on Mideast oil. Mr. Spencer seems to be up to his neck in neoconservative (i.e. Zionist) associations and affiliations, which makes me question his motivations, loyalties and ultimate goals. He writes for David Horowitz's Frontpage magazine, the New York Post, the Washington Times, World Net Daily, Human Events, National Review, and most of the other neocon journals of opinion and pro-Israeli propaganda. These organs of Zionism fail to acknowledge that, despite Islam's violent theology, Moslems may very well have legitimate grievances in Palestine and even Iraq. While an American nationalist would be satisfied keeping our nation Moslem-free and letting the Moslem countries stagnate in their own incompetence and backwardness, the neoconservatives' overriding goal is to destroy Israel's enemies in the Mideast. Therefore, while I agree with Mr. Spencer's points, I fear that his real objective, and that of his associates, is to get more young Americans to die for Israel in Iraq, Syria and Iran. Yes, Islam itself creates enemies for us, but how many more jihadists have we created by our own pro-Israeli policies and actions?

All religions are suceptable to intolerant analysis, Spencer has made criticism of Islam his specialty. He has managed to say the same thing in a dozen different ways, not only within this book but also in almost every book he has written. One can only wonder why Spencer, a scholar of the history of Islam can offer only condemnation and negativity as his lifes work. Christianity and Judism can easily be deconstructed and attacked on every level, as Spencer has done here, yet Spencer makes it sound as if this is not possible. This is just a hatchet job which cannot bear up under its own weight. If you already hate Muslims, then you will probably like it, otherwise, it is a complete waste.

The hate that these people feel for us is no fault of our own. As Spencer shows once again, the hate has simple origins. It is clear that the Prophet was all that Spencer says he was; a pedophile (though not unusual in those times, but still no excuse- come on, Aisha was nine when he consumated the marriage!!!), a masogynist, a murderer, a polygymist, and most of all he was intolerant of an individuals right to believe as he or she chooses to believe. The Prophet's way of thinking has no place in a free society such as ours. Unless we all begin to realize what the pillars of Islam are, we are in deep trouble. We cannnot let the Muslim apologists continue to spew the nonsense of Islam being a peaceful religion. They want us all dead or subjugated to dhimmmiatude.

Read each and every one of Spencer's works and begin to understand just what we are facing. Learn to search for answers that are not found on PBS. Most of all don't let anyone convince you that Muslims are oppressed in the Western world. They are toying with our open society. They are exploiting our despicably weak immigration policies. They mock what hundreds of thousands of brave Americans have fought and died for. Don't be fooled by the pablum that is spewed by the mainstream media and many of our highest ranking politicians. OPEN YOUR EYES and read the truth about the Prophet and the "religion" he began.

This was as even-handed a synopsis as I think any American could put together. I now understand how an Imman can say certain things (which fly in the face of opposite general opinion and seem blind to recent activities), about the Koran with a straight face. There is more than one important sourcebook, apparently, and the worriesome lines of thought are from the other two sources, so the Imman has it right...parsing like a good lawyer. This might be a good first book to gather much needed basic information. There are other opinions rendered elsewhere which might be considered salacious which he omits, probably for the better.

This is close to being the best book about Muhammad and the implications for modern day society. Only the out-of-print Prophet of Doom (at a whopping 988 pages) beats this one for comprehensive analysis of Islam and Muhammad.

Spencer is in the quiet corner, letting the material itself do most of the speaking, then drawing brief and clear connections to the actions of modern-day Jihad warriors and Islamic ideologists.

It ends with a concise chapter of suggested policies to counter the spread of totalitarian Islam, which adds to its practical value for policy-makers.

All told, this is Spencer at his best. Most people don't want to cope with extensive 1000-page analysis of Islamic scripture, and since Spencer is quoting with precision and loyalty, highlighting the most important areas, this is a great book to get about Muhammad and his political followers today.

Muslims who believe it's okay to kill non-believers, to kill apostates, to carry out religious justice clearly don't believe Allah can handle these things himself. The Koran is riddled with gruesome punishment rituals for all non-believers, and these are all punishments that will be meeted out when the person who dies is judged by his works, deeds, etc., while on earth. After all, Islam is based almost entirely on the old testament, despite recognizing Jesus as a prophet, and for all religions with this common root belief system, it is God (or Allah) that is the judge, NOT some Muslim cleric or fanatical lunatic with a sword who thinks he's God, and should start behaving like one to kill everyone that doesn't submit to his or her brand of religious beliefs.

Jesus was a teacher, Mohammad was a warrior. There is a HUGE difference in methods used to spread prophecy and beliefs.

The arab world produced some great knowledge in the past, but ever since Islam took hold in that area, most of the progress stopped. Why did this happen? Think about why Muslims don't want their women to be educated, why they don't want them to be visible to others, why they hate music, democracy, etc. Why is this? They don't trust anyone, and they most of all don't trust Allah, so they have to inflict their beliefs while they can, and kill anyone who disagrees with them, if they can.

Yes, Islam is the world's most Intolerant Religion, and Muslims prove it every day.

Spencer's book provides readers with a LOT to consider, with many quotes and lots of references. True, it's not in Arabic, the language that Muslims believe is the only language that can be used to convey the wonders of the Koran, but translations work fine for non-arabic speakers, and there are many translations that all translate the Koran into the same collection of surahs riddled with hate and intolerance, and inconsistencies. Even the satanic versus that talk about tolerance were removed, why? Because they undermined the message of Islam, kill anyone who doesn't believe, especially those who once believed, but converted to a more tolerant religion, like Christianity.