Ibn Ishaq (704–767)

"the Life of Muhammad: Apostle of Allah" written by Ibn Ishaq, who lived and worked only about 75 years after the death of Muhammad. It is a collection of stories, anecdotes and traditions that surround the life of the Prophet, his teachings, and his dealings in Arabia. It is a work shrouded in myth (as the works of all religious founders are), but it is important to recognize that the traceable facts are there as well. Overall, a good read that allows you to see the reasoning (political, social or religious) behind the compilation of the Koran and its Suras. It also gives a glimps into the personality of Muhammad, which was a major part of the formation of his message to the Arabians...something we don't have much of when it comes to the Jewish prophets, Buddah, Jesus, Moses, Abraham or the Hindu Aryans...who all claim simply divine intervention for their words.… (meer)