Key Takeaways
1. Muhammad's Troubled Origins and Early Life
Muhammad was born several months later.
Orphaned early. Muhammad's life began with hardship; his father died before or shortly after his birth in 570 AD, the "Year of the Elephant." His mother died when he was six, leaving him an orphan. He was raised first by his grandfather, then by his uncle Abu Talib.
Emotional deprivation. The author suggests Muhammad's early life was marked by maternal rejection and emotional trauma.
- Sent away to a wet nurse (Halima) in the desert for years.
- Returned to his mother, only for her to die a year later.
- Passed to an aging grandfather who died two years later.
- Became the ward of an impoverished uncle.
These experiences likely contributed to a reserved, shy, and melancholic personality.
Marriage to Khadija. At 25, Muhammad married Khadija, a wealthy, older businesswoman. She provided him with financial security, social status, and emotional support, becoming his "mother-wife." Their marriage lasted 25 years and produced several children, though his sons died young, adding to his grief.
2. Epilepsy and Psychopathy Shaped Muhammad's "Revelations"
His epileptic experiences brought him to believe God talked to him; the psychopath in him led him to kill people who refused to believe it.
Neurological disorder. The author argues that Muhammad suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy, possibly inherited from his mother. Symptoms described in early sources align with this:
- Falling to the ground, frothing at the mouth.
- Visions of light and figures (angels).
- Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices).
Muhammad interpreted these as divine visitations and communications from God.
Pathological psychology. Coupled with epilepsy, the author posits Muhammad had a "pathological psychology," labeling him a "psychopath." This is linked to his early trauma and later violent behavior.
- Extreme anger and vindictiveness.
- Lack of empathy for opponents.
- Sadistic tendencies (descriptions of Hell, torture).
- Grandiose self-importance (outweighing all others).
Illness and mission. The author contends that Muhammad's religious and theological views, including his belief in being a prophet and messenger, were derived from his illness. His psychopathy then fueled his violent response to those who rejected his claims, creating a "terror he created was the key to his success."
3. Muhammad's Religion: An Amalgamation, Not Divine Truth
Muhammad was the author the Koran.
Borrowed ideas. The author asserts that Muhammad's religious concepts were not original divine revelations but an amalgamation of existing monotheistic and pagan beliefs prevalent in Arabia.
- Influenced by Jewish and Christian contacts.
- Adopted ideas from religious dissenters like Zayd ibn Amr.
- Incorporated Jewish prophet legends (Abraham, Moses, Jesus).
- Integrated pagan rituals (temple orbits, running between mounts).
The Koran as his work. The author explicitly states Muhammad "composed" and "came up" with the verses of the Koran. He used the "God voice" ("We," "Us") for authority and his own voice ("Say") for instructions.
- Early verses focused on doom, judgment, Heaven, and Hell.
- Later verses became increasingly legalistic and situational.
- The style evolved, suggesting human composition.
Rebranding paganism. Muhammad systematically redefined existing pagan practices under a monotheistic framework.
- The Kaaba became the "House of God" built by Abraham.
- Running between Safa and Marwa commemorated Hagar, not idols.
- Animal sacrifice honored Abraham, not pagan deities.
- The pilgrimage rituals were reinterpreted as Abrahamic practices.
4. Early Opposition and Persecution in Mecca
“O Abu Talib, your nephew has cursed our gods, insulted our religion, mocked our way of life and accused our forefathers of error; either you must stop him or you must let us get at him and we will rid you of him.”
Public preaching begins. After years of private "revelations," Muhammad publicly declared his prophethood around 613 AD. His message challenged the core of Meccan polytheism and ancestral beliefs.
- Condemned idol worship and pagan gods.
- Threatened disbelievers and their ancestors with hellfire.
- Demanded exclusive worship of his concept of Allah.
Meccan reaction. Initially, Meccans viewed him as an oddity or a sorcerer. As his followers grew and his rhetoric became more aggressive, opposition hardened.
- Taunted and ridiculed him publicly.
- Physically harassed his unprotected followers.
- Accused him of being demon-possessed or a liar.
Hashimite protection. Muhammad's clan, the Hashimites, protected him despite disagreeing with his religion, upholding tribal honor. This prevented the Meccans from killing him directly.
- Meccan leaders repeatedly petitioned Abu Talib to withdraw protection.
- Offered bribes and even an exchange for another young man.
- Imposed a social and economic boycott on the entire clan.
5. The Flight to Yathrib and the Shift to Violence
It was year 622 of the Christian era, but Muhammad’s followers would eventually begin their calendar from the time he escaped to Yathrib.
Seeking a new base. Facing escalating hostility and the eventual loss of his uncle's protection, Muhammad sought refuge outside Mecca. His efforts to gain protection from various tribes failed until he connected with groups from Yathrib.
- Pitched his religion at tribal fairs.
- Promised protection and rewards (Paradise/booty).
- Found receptive listeners among the Aws and Khazraj tribes.
The Pledge of Aqaba. In 622 AD, a group of Yathrib converts secretly pledged allegiance to Muhammad, promising not only protection but also to fight on his behalf.
- Pledged to protect him "as you would your women and children."
- Agreed to "war against all and sundry" who opposed him.
- This marked a turning point towards organized violence.
The Hijra. Learning of a Meccan plot to assassinate him, Muhammad fled Mecca with Abu Bakr to Yathrib (later Medina). This event became the start of the Islamic calendar.
- Left Ali as a decoy in his bed.
- Hid in a cave before traveling north via a circuitous route.
- His followers emigrated in groups ahead of him.
6. Warfare, Plunder, and the Elimination of Jewish Tribes
“It is not for any Prophet to have captives until he hath made slaughter in the land.”
Establishing a base. In Yathrib, Muhammad built his mosque, which served as his residence, prayer center, and military headquarters ("al-qaeda"). He consolidated power by:
- Unifying his followers into a new "tribe" under his authority.
- Arbitrating disputes and imposing his laws.
- Securing alliances with local tribes.
Caravan raids. Muhammad initiated attacks on Meccan caravans to cripple their economy and acquire wealth.
- Early raids were small and often unsuccessful.
- The Battle of Badr (624 AD) was a major victory, netting significant booty and captives.
- Muhammad justified plunder as divinely sanctioned ("The Spoils of War").
Elimination of Jewish tribes. After the Jews of Yathrib refused to accept him as their prophet, Muhammad systematically attacked and expelled them.
- Qaynuqa (624 AD): Expelled and property seized after a minor incident.
- Nadir (625 AD): Besieged, expelled, and property seized after Muhammad claimed they plotted against him.
- Qurayza (627 AD): Massacred all adult males (400-900), enslaved women/children, seized all property after they sided with the Meccans during the Trench battle.
7. Muhammad's Use of Terror and Assassination
“Whoever of the Jews falls into your hands, kill him!”
Silencing critics. Muhammad used assassination to eliminate opponents who criticized him, particularly poets whose verses swayed public opinion.
- Ordered the murder of elderly Sheikh Abu Afak for satirical poems.
- Recruited a killer at the mosque to slay Asma bint Marwan for her critical verses.
- Orchestrated the murder of Jewish poet Kab Ashraf in his fortress.
Inciting violence. Muhammad actively encouraged his followers to commit violence against disbelievers.
- Issued directives like "Whoever of the Jews falls into your hands, kill him!"
- Praised killers publicly for their deeds in "the cause of Allah."
- Used terror to force conversions and submission.
Exemplary punishments. Muhammad imposed brutal punishments for various offenses, often carried out publicly.
- Stoning to death for adultery.
- Amputation of hands and feet for theft or opposing him.
- Flogging for lesser offenses.
- Used torture (e.g., burning Kinana) to extract information or wealth.
8. The Struggle for Dominance and the Conquest of Mecca
“By Him in Whose Hand is Muhammad’s soul, if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad stole, I would cut her hand.”
Setbacks and resilience. Despite victories like Badr, Muhammad faced defeats (Uhud) and setbacks (preachers massacred). His resilience and ability to rally his followers were key.
- Uhud (625 AD): A major defeat where Muhammad was wounded and many followers killed.
- Battle of the Trench (627 AD): A siege of Yathrib by a Meccan-led coalition, thwarted by a defensive trench and diplomacy/disinformation.
Consolidating power. Muhammad used the period after the Trench battle to solidify control over Yathrib and expand influence through raids and alliances.
- Expelled the Qurayza Jews after the Trench battle.
- Conquered the wealthy Jewish oasis of Khaybar (628 AD), seizing vast wealth.
- Used Khaybar wealth to fund further expansion and reward followers.
Conquest of Mecca. In 630 AD, Muhammad marched on Mecca with a large army, using a violation of the Hudaybiyya treaty as a pretext.
- Entered Mecca with minimal resistance.
- Destroyed the idols in the Kaaba and surrounding area.
- Offered clemency to most Meccans who converted.
- Imposed his laws and appointed administrators.
9. Muhammad's Laws, Social Control, and Personal Desires
Two religions shall not remain in the land of the Arabs!
Lawgiver and ruler. Muhammad established a comprehensive legal system (Sharia) based on his Koran verses and personal example (Sunna).
- Ruled on civil disputes, criminal matters, and personal conduct.
- Imposed strict prohibitions (alcohol, gambling, music, wailing).
- Regulated social life (segregation of sexes, veiling of women).
Control through fear and rules. His laws and punishments were designed to enforce conformity and obedience.
- Public floggings, amputations, and stonings served as warnings.
- The concept of "hypocrisy" was used to identify and shame dissenters.
- His authority was absolute and beyond appeal.
Personal desires and "revelations". The author highlights instances where Muhammad's personal desires seemed to drive his "revelations" and rule-making.
- Marrying Zaynab, his adopted son's wife, after a "revelation" abolished adoption and permitted the marriage.
- Justifying his numerous marriages and sexual access to captive women through "revelations."
- His desire for women led to numerous marriages and attempts at marriage.
10. A Legacy of Violence and Delusion
What Muhammad created will never burn itself out.
Expansion through violence. The author argues that Muhammad's religion spread not through its inherent truth or appeal, but through the terror and violence he unleashed.
- Raids, battles, assassinations, and massacres were central to its growth.
- Plunder and wealth were key motivators for followers.
- Submission was often compelled by force or threat.
Cult of personality. The author portrays Muhammad as a "diseased genius" and "epileptic psychopath" who built a cult around his delusional belief in divine communication.
- His followers' devotion was fueled by his charisma, promises of Paradise/booty, and fear of punishment.
- His personal example (Sunna) became a model for all believers.
Enduring impact. The author contends that Muhammad's legacy is one of violence and intolerance that continues to shape the world.
- His methods and ideology are seen as the root cause of ongoing conflict and terrorism.
- The "truth" about his origins and methods is deliberately obscured.
The antidote. The author proposes that exposing the truth about Muhammad, using the original sources, is the only way to counter and ultimately dismantle the system he created.
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Review Summary
It's All About Muhammad receives polarized reviews. Supporters praise its extensive research and detailed portrayal of Muhammad's life, considering it eye-opening and well-documented. Critics argue it's biased, poorly researched, and inflammatory. Many readers find it disturbing but informative, while others view it as propagandistic. The book's depiction of Muhammad as violent and psychopathic is contentious. Some appreciate its challenge to Islamic beliefs, while others see it as intentionally provocative. Overall, reviewers agree it presents a controversial perspective on Islam's founder.
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