Please join the Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies Seminar (IISS) for a lively discussion with Professor Juan Cole about his most recent book, "Muhammad: Prophet of Peace Amid the Clash of Empires," which discuses the Prophet Muhammad's origin story in the seventh-century. Cole shows how Muhammad came of age in an era of unparalleled violence. The religion Muhammad founded, Islam, spread widely during his lifetime, relying on soft power instead of military might, and sought armistices even when militarily attacked. Cole sheds light on this forgotten history, reminding us that in the Qur'an, the legacy of that spiritual message endures.

We will be providing free copies of the book to fifteen graduate students and researchers. Please RSVP using this link: https://goo.gl/forms/Wrz6CvVeqB9iArqz2.

If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend this event, please reach out to IslamicStudies@umich.edu at least 2 weeks in advance of this event. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.