Why this book? What can it add to the many works that have already explored Islam as a history, a doctrine, a law, and a code of ethics? The bulk of Islamic thought nowadays is either a repetition of and rumination about what the ancients have already said, or the tackling of partial issues that falls short of a comprehensive view and a theoretical framework. All too often ideology replaces real knowledge. This work attempts to introduce the characteristics of the Mohammedan Mission, with the aspiration to be faithful to its essential purposes and to historical truth at the same time. The author thus illustrates the different ways in which people have understood the Mission and the reasons that led them to those various interpretations. The book presents several alternative interpretations that actually existed but did not enjoy widespread acceptance and popularity.

Introduction Part One Chapter One The Theoretical and Historical Background Chapter Two The Mohammedan Mission Chapter Three The Characteristics of the Mohammedan Mission Chapter Four The Issue of Legislation (Tashric) Chapter Five The Seal of Prophecy Part Two Introduction to Part Two The Mission in History Chapter Six The Prophet’s Caliphate Chapter Seven Institutionalizing Religion Chapter Eight Theorizing for the Institution Epilogue Index