Muhammad's Higaz in Focus

This collection of eight scholarly contributions preceded by an introductory essay contributes to a rich, multifaceted understanding of the late antique iz region and its historical significance, making it a valuable resource for students of early Islamic history. A significant topic explored in several contributions is the biography of Müammad and its reconstruction through historical analysis. Other articles address questions of gender roles and female agency, offering new perspectives on women's lives in ancient Arabia. Further examinations include the evolution of cosmological concepts and notions as well as the knowledge of the Bible and its stories in pre- and Early Islamic Arabia. Moreover, the economic history of Medina is examined, highlighting the role of the market established by Müammad. The volume also contains contributions that analyze the Qur'anic reframing of the temple in Jerusalem, providing fresh insights into religious transformations, and investigate the miraculous conception of Müammad, contextualized within the framework of similar supernatural narratives from the era. By exploring these thematic areas the volume exemplifies various methodological approaches, showcasing their application in historical research. This includes the use of late and rarely utilized sources, the integration of digital databases for advanced research and the employment of isnad-cum-matn analysis along with other philological techniques.