New Age take on Prophet Muhammad

On Tuesday, India-born New Age Guru Deepak Chopra will release his most provocative book yet, a fictionalised biography, Muhammad: A Story of the Last Prophet.

This novel is a view of the Prophet’s life, as seen through the eyes of those played significant roles in it, starting with his grandfather Abdul Muttalib and going on to Halimah, his wet nurse, his first wife, Khadijah, Ali, the first convert to Islam and Fatimah, his youngest daughter, among a large cast of characters.

In the author’s note to the book, Chopra noted: “Among all the founders of the great religions, Muhammad is the most like us. Muhammad saw himself as an ordinary man.”

In a Q&A released by the book’s American publisher, Chopra said of the response he expects from Muslims to the portrayal: “Muslims may not see the Prophet they were taught about as children, but I think they will be surprised at how much empathy his life has created in this book.”

Chopra also doesn’t appear to be fazed by concerns that some Muslims may find the book offensive, as he commented, “If I had that in mind, it would have been impossible to begin to write.

I walked a path with Muhammad for a year while telling his story. Fundamentalist Muslims do the same thing every day, but it is vital to recognise that there are other paths besides theirs.”

Chopra expressed the hope that readers would find the story “compelling and enjoyable” while also gaining a “better understanding of Islam and Muhammad.”