A painting showing the Prophet Muhammad raising his hands in prayer while standing on the Mountain of Light in Mecca. Siyer-i Nebi (Biography of the Prophet), Istanbul, Ottoman lands, 1595-96.

Protests have spread across the Muslim world over the publication in Europe of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. The BBC News website looks at why the depictions have caused such offence. What does ...

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a merchant born in the city of Mecca. Muhammad was respected as he was a wise and fair businessman. Tradition says Muhammad escaped the busy city during the month ...