Mother of the Believers: A Novel of the Birth of Islam Paperback – April 14, 2009

This was a good book to learn about the origin of Islam and presents a true view of the Islamic beliefs. The practices of the jihadists of the current time are in direct opposition to what Muhammed intended. And he abhorred wealth and conspicuous consumption; he lived in poverty, like Jesus did while on earth. So I doubt he would be approving of the way Mideast oil barons and princes live. He treated his wives fairly and as equals; his first wife was quite a strong woman, speaking her opinions freely and openly. I enjoyed this book immensely, and highly recommend it to others interested in the truth about Islam, at least as it was originally designed.

This book is well-written, gripping and dramatic and recommended for anyone with an interest in Islam, or any religion in general. It's easy to understand, isn't preachy, and is based on actual histories as related in the Quran and hadith, so although it's a work of fiction, it's a story woven around fact. 'Mother of the Believers' is a good read also because it condenses the entire spirit and character of Islam into one highly readable book.

I could not put the book down. It was an easy to read it and a very enjoyable one too.Historically it seemed correct too.It was nice to see that Mothers of the Believers were only humans with all their faults despite what some Muslims may think. Aisha became a Mother of the Believers at the tender age of 9, the title which carried heavy responsibilities and duties for such young girl. Her courage and the way she carried on with her role is just astonishing. Aisha lived an extraordinary life while being Prophet's wife (pbuh)and then became a widow at the age of 19 without ever getting re-married. I think all of that was well presented in the book.One negative thought though: I did find references to Fatima and Ali a little strange and somewhat annoying, and thought the author did not do a good justice to them. They were described as a strange eternal couple like no other whose union was created long before they were born, etc etc. I would have liked to see them more like human, than some sort of unearthly creatures. Also, the book did not show how knowledgeable Fatima was about Islam, and how much she was loved by her father, which I believe are very important aspects.

This is a book of the decade, wow it was beautifully written. Yes, it is historical fiction, Kamran Pasha makes it very clear in his disclousure in the beginning, however if you know the history of Islam you will agree that the places and events are true. If you want to learn more about Islam you should read this book, if you want a good read you should read this book!

This is a great read. As a Catholic I knew nothing about the Muslim Religion or Mohammed, but this book was not only an interesting historical story but very educational.I would love to see this book turned into a movie or TV series.I highly recommend this book.

I am almost half through this book and am not sure I will finish...I wanted to learn about the origins of Islam and probably should have chosen a biography rather than a fictional account. I have learned a lot, but lose interest as the author tries to imagine the feelings of the child bride when a new, beautiful bride is added to the family or detailed descriptions of famous battles with no references to indicate if they are fiction or based on fact. I bought this book because I liked other writings by this author and am disappointed. I don't blame the author...I should have chosen history rather than fiction.

Aisha was 29 when Prophet died. Marriage consumated in Medina 12 years earlier at 17. Excellent for moslems and nonmoslems.

If this historical novel is to be believed, Mohamed was nothing more than a liar who used his flimsy knowledge of the Jewish faith to promote a new religion of his own for commercial gains. When Jews caught him in his lies he took revenge on them and the Muslim faith has never forgiven the Jews. The story of his first wife is one that reveals how women have been treated in the Muslim world for hundreds of years.

Mother of the Believers by Kamran PashaThe Mother of the Believers is a gripping book and remarkable in that it is a novelisation of the life of the favourite wife of the Prophet Muhammad, by a Muslim author. As such some might see it as controversial, especially as it faithfully presents the main characters as very human, fallible, passionate and complex people.In the 'Author's Note' which I strongly recommend to readers, Kamran Pasha explains his intention in writing this novel. In the body of the text the author demonstrates great sensitivity, a total lack of religious arrogance and an amazing ability to avoid offending those of conflicting views, within Islam or of other faiths with his courteous and respectful attitude.The setting is one of the most significant pivotal periods of human history and that is made absolutely clear, despite the reader being engaged through the life of Aisha and her personal relationships with her husband and the main characters surrounding them.I think the book is an extraordinary achievement. I devoured it at speed and was sorry to have finished it having become so deeply involved with the story and the characters.I have already got 'The Shadow of the Swords' by the same author and look forward to reading it with enthusiasm.Sue Almond

Its really captivating and additionally you learn a lot. Very good book. Definitely recommendable for Muslims and non-Muslims who are interested in Islam.....!

Having read other books about Aisha I was keen to read this, boy was I disappointed, the biggest problem I think is that the book was written by a man. The initial part where Mohammed takes a nine year old wife was deeply disturbing in the way he described the feelings that she would have had and it wouldn't have taken much more to have made it a paedophiles text, describing how men would feel looking at a pre pubescent child to me was going too far. The text was way too wordy and some radical editing would have made it a much more readable length - once Aisha had reached her later teens the semi paedophile content seemed to abate.The author seems to have wanted to introduce Islam to a wider audience, the more I read the further and further away from Islam the text pushed you and the more and more I recognised Mohammed for what I think he was, a fabulous politician, military tactician, social reformer but not a prophet. A good man who brought stability and social reform to warring Arabia and for that alone deserving of respect (ignoring the nine year old bride).As a non Muslim it did leave me feeling depressed that I would never see the majesty of the Ka'aba in all its glory.Disturbing and wordy.