"Following Muhammad is the book I recommend first for the non specialist interested in Islam. It is readable, broad in historical and geographical sweep, and successful in avoiding overgeneralization. It employs specific incidents in a highly effective manner to illustra wider concepts and seamlessly integrates Islamic history, thought, and practice into a thoughtful engagement with contemporary con troversies over Islam. I also recommend the book to the scholar in Islamic studies, for the sheer pleasure of seeing so many points expressed with such concision and eloquence."