In 1978, a rare and remarkable book was published in Delhi – Muhammad: The Prophet of Islam, authored by Colonel B.K. Narayan, a retired officer of the Indian Army and former military attaché at the Indian Embassy. Known for his distinguished service during the 1971-72 India-Pakistan war as an infantry commander, he was also a man of deep intellectual curiosity and cultural sensitivity. Muhammad: The Prophet of Islam, published by Lancers Publishers, Delhi, stands as one of his most significant contributions beyond his military career – a comprehensive English-language biography of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
More than a mere historical account, the book presents a deep and insightful reflection on the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, highlighting the enduring relevance of his moral and spiritual example.
Colonel Narayan’s profound admiration for the Prophet’s ﷺ character and achievements moved him to write a full-length English-language biography – a rare undertaking for a non-Muslim author, particularly one from a military background. His unique perspective offers readers a fresh and unbiased narrative rooted in historical context, moral analysis, and intellectual sincerity. His work stands as a bridge between cultures, illuminating the universal values embodied by the Prophet ﷺ.
In addition to this work, Colonel Narayan authored several other important books on the Arab world and geopolitical events of his time, including: The Fourth Arab-Israeli War (1974),Anwar al-Sadat: Man with a Mission (1977), Lessons and Consequences of the October War (1977), General J.N. Chaudhry: An Autobiography (1978, as narrated to him).
Spanning 205 pages, Muhammad: The Prophet of Islam is thoughtfully organised into three distinct sections, each offering a deeper understanding of the Prophet’s ﷺ life, message, and lasting influence.
Section One explores the life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, presented across 12 well-structured chapters. Colonel Narayan opens with an insightful overview of the socio-political conditions in Arabia before the Prophet’s birth. The narrative then follows key events and milestones throughout the Prophet’s life, offering a clear and compelling account of his journey and legacy. Topics covered include:
- The state of Arabia before the advent of Islam,
- The commercial significance of Makkah,
- The Prophet’s ﷺ birth, early life, and journey to Syria,
- His marriage to Hazrat Khadijah (RA),
- The commencement of Prophethood, and
- The Hijrah (migration) to Madinah.
Colonel Narayan meticulously discusses Key milestones such as the first revelation, the Prophet’s ﷺ interactions with Jews, Christians, polytheists, and hypocrites following his migration. The section also covers major expeditions and battles, the opposition from Jewish tribes, and strategic responses led by the Prophet ﷺ. Further discussions include the Kaaba’s history, types of revelation, and miracles of the Prophet ﷺ by the will of Allah. The book also examines the Prophet’s ﷺ battles, diplomacy, and social reforms.
This section concludes with the passing (Wafat) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. A unique feature of this section is its inclusion of illustrative materials – historical photographs and maps, such as Jeddah Airport, the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad), Bab-e- Kaaba, the mountainous terrain surrounding Makkah, and pilgrims clothed in the traditional white garments of Ihram. These visuals not only enhance the reader’s understanding but also offer a deeper emotional connection to the sacred geography of Islam. This part of the book extends from page 1 to 146.
Part Two focuses on the Sayings of the Prophet – the Hadith. Spanning pages 149 to 174, this section features English translations of over 100 carefully selected Hadiths, offering insight into the Prophet’s guidance across various aspects of life. The Hadiths are thoughtfully arranged under a wide range of themes, including belief and worship, justice and business ethics, the management of anger, responses to illness and poverty, the importance of guarding one’s tongue, the virtues of patience, mercy, repentance, and the sanctity of human life. Together, they reflect the profound moral and spiritual wisdom that continues to inspire and guide countless lives. Colonel Narayan expresses deep admiration for the enduring relevance and lucidity of these teachings, noting their ability to convey profound truths with striking simplicity. He writes:
“They are capsules of wisdom, simple, direct, and effective.”
Part Three centres on the noble wives and esteemed companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The final section introduces the 11 noble wives of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ– Khadijah, Aisha, Hafsa, Zainab, Zainab bint Jahsh, Safiyyah, Umm Habiba, Juwayriya, Rayhana, Maymunah, and Maria (may Allah be pleased with them all). The author praises their outstanding virtues – piety, sincerity, and loyalty – and he underscores the profound influence each of these noble women had on shaping the moral, spiritual, and social foundations of the early Islamic community. The author emphasises the social and moral significance of these marriages. He writes:
“The text reveals the circumstances under which these marriages were contracted and the benefits which accrued to society through them. All the wives of the Prophet made a distinct impact on society, by virtue of their piety, devotion, and dedication to the Prophet and the faith.”
In addition, this section offers concise biographies of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs – Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all) – highlighting their pivotal roles and contributions in the development of the early Muslim community.
A standout feature of this book is the author’s consistent focus on the humanistic portrayal of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ humanity. Narayan emphasises that the Prophet ﷺ never laid claim to supernatural powers, yet through his character, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice, he transformed a fragmented, tribal society into a cohesive and ethically grounded civilization. He observes:
“To judge the greatness of his actions appropriately, one has to transport oneself to those days, and judge what Meccan society was before him and what it became after him.”
Commenting on the Prophet’s eloquence, Narayan writes:
“The Prophet was brief in his conversation and every word which he used had a specific purpose. Nothing could be added to his speech and nothing could be deleted from it.”
Colonel Narayan also notes the significance of the Prophet’s ﷺ oratory in an age when eloquence was revered. Drawing parallels with earlier prophets, he writes that while prophet Moses was given miraculous powers suited to his time; Jesus was given healing abilities,the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who lived in an age of eloquence and oratory, was gifted with unparalleled eloquence – a form of divine expression perfectly attuned to his time.
The book ends with a well-curated bibliography, citing sources such as Majmu‘ahSirat al-Rasul by Ahmad Baraniq, Mishkat al-Masabih, Mohammedanism by H.A.R. Gibb, and Muhammad by Maxime Rodinson.
What distinguishes this book from many other Seerahs (biographies of the Prophet) is its remarkably balanced tone – reverent yet scholarly, empathetic yet analytical. At the same time, his deep respect for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Islamic worldview imbues the narrative with sincerity and insight.
Colonel B.K. Narayan’s Muhammad: The Prophet of Islam stands as an exceptional work – one that bridges faith, history, and scholarship. It offers a rich, respectful portrayal of the Prophet’s ﷺ life. In his portrayal of the Prophet’s ﷺ virtues – honesty, compassion, eloquence, restraint, and humility – the author invites readers of all backgrounds to reflect on timeless values. His unbiased presentation serves as a bridge between cultures, beliefs, and histories.
At a time when interfaith dialogue is more important than ever, Muhammad: The Prophet of Islam serves as a remarkable testament to respectful dialogue across religious and cultural lines. Written by a decorated Hindu military officer, the book represents not only a literary and historical contribution but also a moral undertaking – one that resonates far beyond its pages.
For those seeking a thoughtful, accessible, and historically rich account of the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Colonel B.K. Narayan’s biography remains a valuable and rare contribution.