In traditional conservative Islamic thought, it is held that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was always destined to be the final messenger of God. According to this view, his life is not a story of human struggle or personal growth but rather the unfolding of divine will—a tale that leaves little room for tension or conflict. For many devout believers, this is entirely sufficient. The Prophet’s innate excellence is a given, and the details of his biography seem secondary, even irrelevant.
However, for a broader audience, it is not the miraculous that holds significance, but the human story. Muhammad’s life stands as one of those extraordinary instances where the truth is more compelling than legend. In fact, when we step away from the extraordinary and focus on the human aspects of his journey, the Prophet’s life becomes even more remarkable.
What emerges is a story so incredible, so profoundly human, that it transcends the boundaries of myth. It is not just the Divine Message that makes Muhammad’s life legendary, but the depth of his humanity that elevates him to a status beyond that of any mere mortal. This is the true legacy of Muhammad: a life that, by virtue of its human qualities, reveals itself as nothing short of legendary.
While contemporary literature on the biography of Prophet Muhammad offers a diverse range of perspectives that build on traditional accounts while incorporating modern scholarship, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches, The First Spring by Wadah Khanfar is an impressive and unique contribution to the biography of the Prophet of Islam.
The meticulously researched profile of the Prophetic mission focuses on the miraculous message that, at its ascendancy, found fertile soil over several centuries, far beyond its birthplace in the Arabian Peninsula, reaching as far west as modern-day Spain and as far east as northern India.
So, what is the miracle of the message that Muhammad espoused, and how did this message become transnational in an age when communication was at its most rudimentary, relying on interpersonal engagements, communal interactions, and trade highways?
This remarkable journey of faith and civilisation unfolded through a variety of means. At times, Islam was carried across vast distances by caravans and merchant fleets, navigating the intricate networks of trade routes that spanned both land and sea. At other moments, it advanced through military means and the tireless efforts of dedicated followers.
As Islamic teachings encountered new societies, they were not merely transplanted; they adapted and flourished in diverse forms, blending with local cultures and traditions. This dynamic interaction between Islam and the different peoples it encountered gave rise to a rich mosaic of cultural expressions, each one unique, yet united under the banner of faith.
The First Spring is an epithet of the upheavals that reverberated in the Arab world in 2010. The Arab Spring was a defining moment in the modern history of the Arab world. Born out of widespread frustration with authoritarian regimes, corruption, and economic inequality, the uprisings sparked a collective demand for political reform, social justice, and human dignity. What began as peaceful protests, particularly in Tunisia, quickly spread across the region, toppling long-standing rulers like Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia.
For many, the Arab Spring symbolised hope – a yearning for democratic change and greater freedom. However, the aftermath has been far more complicated. In some countries, such as Tunisia, the path to democracy has been slow but steady, while others, like Syria and Yemen, have descended into devastating civil wars. The Arab Spring has shown both the power of popular movements to challenge entrenched regimes and the harsh reality that true political transformation is fraught with setbacks and struggles, often exacerbating existing divisions.
Khanfer’s central thesis is that the prophetic message was intellectually, philosophically, and religiously destabilising, and at the centre of that mission was the idea of human rights, equality for all, and social justice as a pillar of the new world order. That this message first found resonance in the barren deserts of Arabia and then rapidly reverberated, at its peak, to an area of up to 13,400,000 square kilometres, is a testament to the universality of the desire for freedom, justice, and equality. Those who took up the prophetic message and mission resolutely believed in its authenticity, power and authority.
The rapid expansion of Islam in its early history can be attributed to a combination of religious, social, political, and economic factors.
The universal nature of the message emphasised equality, community, and submission to One God, which resonated with diverse populations. The message of salvation and hope appealed to many, particularly those disillusioned with existing social structures. In its simplicity and accessibility, the core tenets of Islam, encapsulated in the Five Pillars, were straightforward to understand, making it accessible to people from various backgrounds.
After Muhammad died in 632 CE, Muslim armies quickly covered vast territories, including portions of the Byzantine and Sassanian empires. This military expansion was often swift and strategically planned. Leaders like Khalid ibn al-Walid and Salman Farsi were effective military strategists who capitalised on the weaknesses of opposing empires.
The establishment of the caliphate provided a unifying political structure, which helped maintain order and govern newly acquired lands efficiently. There was an integration of different peoples who were often allowed to maintain their customs and religions in exchange for loyalty to the caliphate, which facilitated smooth integration and conversion over time.
Muslim merchants established extensive trade networks across Africa, Europe, and Asia. This not only facilitated economic growth but also allowed for cultural and religious exchanges. Conversion to Islam could provide economic benefits, including tax exemptions and trade privileges, making it attractive to some.
There was social mobility and a sense of belonging, which Islam offered a strong sense of community (Ummah) that transcended tribal and ethnic affiliations. This sense of belonging was particularly appealing in a fragmented social landscape. Converts often found opportunities for social mobility and positions of influence within the growing Islamic society.
The establishment of centres of learning, such as those in Baghdad and Cordoba, facilitated the spread of Islamic teachings and attracted scholars and thinkers from various backgrounds.
The rapid expansion of Islam in its early history was a complex interplay of religious fervour, military conquest, strategic governance, economic incentives, and social structures. These factors combined to create a powerful and cohesive movement that spread across vast regions, influencing cultures and societies in profound ways.
In The First Spring, Khanfar delivers a compelling and insightful biography of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), one that offers not only a historical account of his life but also an exploration of the timeless principles he embodied.
Khanfar, a seasoned journalist and former Director-General of Al Jazeera, takes readers on a journey through the early years of Islam, drawing connections between the life of the Prophet and the broader social and political transformations of his time.
What sets The First Spring apart from other biographies of the Prophet is Khanfar’s ability to weave together personal reflections, historical context, and theological insights in a way that makes the book both informative and deeply moving.
The title itself—The First Spring—is symbolic of the Prophet’s mission, which Khanfar frames as the beginning of a spiritual and societal renewal, a “spring” of light and guidance for humanity that continues to resonate today. Khanfar’s writing is clear, accessible, and rich in historical detail, making the life of
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) come alive in a manner that is both respectful and engaging. Rather than focusing solely on the events of the Prophet’s life, Khanfar examines the profound lessons that can be drawn from his example, offering reflections on leadership, justice, compassion, and the challenges of creating a just society. His deep understanding of the political and social dynamics of 7th-century Arabia gives readers a contextual framework for appreciating the revolutionary nature of the Prophet’s message.
The First Spring is not just a biography—it is an invitation to reflect on the enduring relevance of the Prophet’s teachings in the modern world. Khanfar encourages readers to look at the Prophet’s life not merely as a distant historical figure but as a source of guidance for personal and collective transformation. His exploration of the Prophet’s character, his interactions with others, and his approach to adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the universal values of patience, perseverance, and faith.
For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Prophet Muhammad, The First Spring is an essential read. Khanfar’s work is a valuable contribution to the vast body of literature on the Prophet’s life, offering a fresh perspective that is both thought-provoking and enriching. Whether new to Islamic history or seeking a deeper connection to the life of the Prophet, this biography will inspire and enlighten, providing a profound reflection on the legacy of one of history’s greatest figures.
Mahomed Faizal
