The Islam of Mohamed

"The Islam of Mohamed" by S. Khuda Bukhsh is a detailed look at the core beliefs of Islam and the message of the Prophet Mohamed, penned in the early 1900s. The writing seeks to understand Islam in its earliest form, separate from later arguments about theology and cultural additions. It considers the social and religious environment of Arabia before Islam and the groundbreaking ideas introduced by Mohamed that changed the Arab world. Bukhsh carefully describes the state of Arabia before Islam, noting the tribal system, pagan beliefs, and lack of morals that defined society. He looks at the impact of Judaism and Christianity on Arab thinking, while also recognizing the pre-Islamic customs that became part of Islamic traditions. Key to Islam's teachings, as explained by Bukhsh, is the idea that God is absolutely one, the need for ethical behavior towards others, and the importance of community spirit that goes beyond tribe relations. The author shows how Islam, through its main practices like prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage, created a sense of unity and moral order that changed Arab society and made way for its significant growth.