The Malaysian Insider :: Books
The Malaysian Insider :: Books |
| Book Review – The First Muslim: The Story of Muhammad Posted: 22 Apr 2014 05:49 PM PDT Lesley Hazleton's "The First Muslim: The Story of Muhammad" is written by an agnostic of Jewish descent, at a time when Islam – in all its shapes and forms – is on the lips of many. You can say that for many believers, this book would have already been passed off as an object of suspicion, perhaps another insult or parody from an author who has no business telling such a story. But there are some who would welcome such an endeavour in a more accessible form than Islamic sources, an alternative lens into a world where the funk of war is worth it to preserve the holiness of the prophet. And bigots wanting to confirm their prejudices about "The First Muslim" will be left disappointed: Hazleton is sympathetic to her subject. This is after all the "Accidental Theologist" who blogs that she is a psychologist by training, a Middle East reporter by experience and an agnostic fascinated by the vast and often terrifying arena in which politics and religion intersect. But perhaps it's the video of her at TED debunking pervading myths about the Quran, in particular the Orientalist "72 virgins", that's worthy of attention. She is one who dispels, not sharpens, contradictions. The story of Muhammad is no doubt a remarkable one. It's the story of an orphaned boy who rises to become a reputed businessman and the husband of a wealthy merchant woman. This man would soon spend time in solitary meditation, which would then lead him to a revelation courtesy of the angel Gabriel – the genesis to a life as a reformer, politician and a "man of god". And he would die empowering Arabia in such a way that she would soon be a force to be reckoned with. This is the lively plot that Hazleton captures in "The First Muslim". It's a world where theological ideas are "memes" that can go "viral", where everything has a context – from the pre-Islamic monotheistic hanifs to the Meccan trade caravan – that would shape the life of Muhammad in a radical way. Hazleton employs a contemporary voice throughout the book, which makes it an easier read, especially if you're comparing it to other more established works on the subject from authors such as Martin Lings and Tariq Ramadhan. But despite a bevy of sources, her work falls comfortably into the genre of pop biography. It's not scholarly stuff. Eight- and ninth-century historical material is freely mixed with speculation about Muhammad's emotions, thoughts, motives – it's pseudo-spirituality lingo where the reader is expected to "identify with him" or to "emphathise", for want of a better word. Then there are clear signs where her prose gives in to more fictional overtures. The story of the flash flood, for example – you "flail and fall" while trying to pick yourself back up as "the roar of it is on you now." One can only wonder if Hazleton has been in such a flood or if she is paraphrasing a source. Of course, it may be excusable as a matter of style, but it works counter to the purpose of providing an account that's as accurate as possible, especially in treatments of more substantial passages. That said, Hazleton does provide sharp observations into Muhammad's world. Although orthodox Muslims may insist that Muhammad, while prone to human failings, is irreproachable, some of his actions are troubling – to the point where even Hazleton finds difficult to shed a positive light on it. For instance, the mass beheading of the 900 surrendered men of the Qurayza, a Jewish tribe who'd become the ultimate losers in a round of factional battles for control of Medina. And it's these points where both Muslims and non-Muslims can appreciate her work. However, Hazleton still has to attend to the question of an authentic religious revelation and whether the Quran is a text like any other or the revealed word of God. These are fascinating points to study, but Hazleton approaches them in an evasive manner, clearly hoping that she can avoid coming on the offensive. Try as she may, in our world today, that's impossible. "The First Muslim: The Story of Muhammad" is published by Atlantic Books London and priced at RM57.90. You can purchase a copy at any major bookstore. – April 23, 2014. |
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