The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c6.s7.5

c6.s7.5

Equally important guide for the Muslims in the performance of their duties is the life-story of Muhammad. Apart from several *maghazi* books dealing with the prophet's campaigns, his first authentic biography too was ready in the eighth century. Its author Ibn Ishaq was born at Medina in 85 H. and died in Baghdad in 151 H. (704-768 C.E.). He wrote the *Sirat Rasul Allah*.⁵⁹ Other biographers of note who succeeded him were al-Waqidi, Ibn Hisham, and At-Tabari. Muslims try to mould their lives after the model of Muhammad. No one regarded by any section of human race as perfect man has been imitated so minutely.⁶⁰