Muhammad A Critical Biography

Muhammad: A Critical Biography asks what we can really know about Muhammad by re‑examining the earliest Islamic traditions with historical‑critical methods. Spencer highlights sharp disagreements among early sources over basics such as Muhammad’s birth year, the first revelation, the name of the angel, the length of his mission, and even his own name. He argues these contradictions, later embellishments, and political motives reveal a figure who is “more legend than history,” raising questions about how solid the traditional narrative really is. Building on The Truth About Muhammad and Did Muhammad Exist?, the book positions itself as a direct challenge to mainstream Islamic studies and the foundations of Islamic faith.