Bodley’s approach in introducing the Prophet of Islam (PBUH)

Ronald Victor Courtenay Bodley (1892-1970), the English Islamic studies scholar, has studied the life of the Prophet (PBUH) based on the social evolution theory and the environmental effects of Saudi Arabia on the prophet in the book of The Messenger: the life of Mohammad. He experienced living with the Arabs to understand the living conditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This paper by using the descriptive-analytical method seeks to answer this question that what effect considering the Saudi Arabia environmental conditions approach had on Bodley’s view of the prophet? Findings of the research indicate that perceiving the prophet in the context of Saudi Arabia environmental conditions caused Bodley to present a more balanced perspective of the Prophet (PBUH). Although his views sometimes confirmed the same hostile middle ages’ perspectives, his tone wasn’t offensive. Bodley interpreted some of the prophet’s characteristics similar to the Arabs’ life. He also severely criticized the former views and emphasized the good attributes of the prophet, such as simple living.