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 In discussing
the life of Muhammad ibn Abdullah, who Muslims beleive to be
the last prophet of God sent to all of humanity, the speaker
first sets the background of Arabia at that time. He briefly
conveys the genealogy of the Prophet (P) and then comments on
the tribal situation of the pagan Arabs. The revelation experience
is  subsequently covered and Dr. Blankinship
informs the audience of what this was like for the Prophet (P),
his initial reactions, and the support he found in his wife Khadijah.
From here many of the main events of early Islamic history are
touched upon such as the first migration to Ethiopia, the conversion
of  Umar, the boycott of the first
community of believers by the Quraiysh, the change of the kiblah
(direction of prayer), and the farewell pilgrimage. But because
this subject is nothing new to Muslims and many non-Muslims,
one may expect another drawn-out exposition of names, dates,
and places. However, where this lecture really stands out and
makes it unique to others  on the same topic is the way in which
it builds up to the wonderfully insightful commentary by the
speaker on the issue of politics and the idea of "church
and state" is Islam. Prodded by questions from the audience
about this matter, Dr. Blankinship concludes the talk with a
half-hour
scholarly exegesis that the listener will not too soon forget.
(Recorded at the Dar al Islam Teachers'
Institute seminar).
 Other topics discussed: the Prophet's
influence upon Madinah, various expeditions and battles, the
misconception of "jihad", and the Iranian Revolution.
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