Brief Summary
Lesley Hazleton, an agnostic Jew, discusses her experience writing a biography of Muhammad and the varied reactions she received, highlighting the underlying assumptions and agendas people project onto her work. She emphasizes the importance of understanding Muhammad beyond stereotypes and reclaiming a full, unbiased narrative, urging a rejection of manipulation by extremists and a commitment to seeing each other whole, in good faith.
- The photo of Lesley in Abu Dhabi invited varied interpretations, revealing underlying assumptions and agendas.
- The author decided to write about Muhammad because he is one of the most influential figures of all time.
- The author emphasizes the importance of understanding Muhammad beyond stereotypes and reclaiming a full, unbiased narrative.
Introduction: An Agnostic Jew Writing About Islam
Lesley Hazleton, an agnostic Jew, shares her experience of writing a biography of Muhammad and the surprising reactions she encountered. A photo of her in an abaya at the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi sparked varied responses online, with some Muslims interpreting it as a conversion and some Jews viewing it negatively. This led her to question the underlying assumptions and agendas people project onto her actions, highlighting how easily perceptions can be influenced by preconceptions.
Motives and Agendas: Why Write About Muhammad?
Hazleton explains her motivation for writing about Muhammad, emphasizing his immense influence and the surprising lack of understanding surrounding his life. She notes the tension and volatility surrounding discussions of Islam, particularly in the context of a divisive YouTube video and subsequent reactions. She criticizes the agendas of various parties, including the video's creators, media outlets, and political figures, who distort Muhammad's message for their own purposes. She underscores the need to understand Muhammad beyond these distortions, advocating for a deeper understanding of his true character.
The Pivotal Moment: Revelation and Humanity
Hazleton describes the pivotal moment of Islam when Muhammad received his first revelation. She focuses on Muhammad's initial reaction of terror and doubt, highlighting his humanity and the profound impact of the experience. She argues that this portrayal, devoid of embellishment or easy explanations, lends credibility to the account and allows for a deeper understanding of Muhammad as a complex human being.
Reclaiming the Narrative: Seeing Each Other Whole
Hazleton stresses the importance of writing in good faith and moving beyond the bad faith that permeates discussions of religion and politics. She argues that everyone is affected by extremism and that it is crucial to reject manipulation, narrow visions, and stereotypes. She advocates for reclaiming the full narrative, seeing Muhammad and each other as whole individuals, and fostering understanding and empathy.
