the book provides a new account of the sira or the life of muhammad, with details that had not been elaborated in other accounts. it is based primarily on old arab sources that go back to the 9th century, of which some passages are translated for the first time. it is not contradictory to other accounts but rather offers new insights and new details. the book also includes excerpts from original english translations of speeches by men and women who lived close to muhammad, heard him speak, witnessed his actions, witnessed the way he interacted with situations and witnessed events he encountered throughout various stages of his life.