Muhammad and the Believers at the Origins of Islam (original) (raw)

Fred M. Donner's "Muhammad and the Believers at the Origins of Islam" critiques the traditional view of early Islam by emphasizing the religious motivations of Muhammad and his followers, arguing that Islam began as a pietistic movement rather than a distinct religion. Donner also seeks to rehabilitate the Umayyad dynasty, presenting them as facilitators of the Believers' identity. However, the narrative is seen as lacking complexity, particularly in its treatment of diverse religious expressions within Islam, as it largely overlooks earlier scholarship that recognized this diversity.