Madīnan Society at the Time of the Prophet: Its characteristics and organization

Book excerpt: As its title clearly implies, "Madinan Society at the Time of the Prophet" (SAAS) is a work that brings out the most important aspects of life in the early Muslim community. Its author, the renowned scholar of sirah and Sunnah studies Professor Akram Diya' al'Umari, has expended a great deal of effort in order to make this book more than just a recitation of the historical record. The result is a breakthrough in historiographical methodology, as Dr. al'Umari has effectively succeeded in combining the strict methodological guidelines used by traditional Muslim scholars of the Sunnah and usul al hadith with modern methods of historical criticism. Volume One of this important new work, subtitled "Its Characteristics and Organization", aims at presenting the reader with an accurate description of the society brought about through the efforts of the Prophet (SAAS) and his Companions, the society viewed by every successive generation of Muslims as the ideal in temporal spiritual values.Volume Two of this important new work, subtitled "The Jihad Against the Mushrikun", deals with the all-important subject of the relations of the struggling new community with the forces that threatened its very existence. Without a doubt, the exemplary behavior of the Prophet (SAAS) and his Companions during the long years that they remained under attack has remained a continued source of inspiration for all Muslims. Its contemporary relevance and significance to the Ummah is a matter that needs no explanation.