Max Weber's Ideal Prophet

Although an ideal-type is designed to be a purposeful exaggeration, Max Weber 's description of the ideal prophet may not be as exaggerated for certain applications. Muhammed, the Arabian prophet, comes awfully close to embodying all the characteristics described in Weber 's "maximum outline" for defining a prophet (Pals ...). Charisma is perhaps the essential characteristic of any type of social leader, including prophets, rulers, and priests alike. Muhammad undoubtedly exemplified this necessary charisma and the transformative power that allowed him to carry out his divinely-ordained mission and proclaim a life-altering message. His mark on history and role in establishing one of the world 's largest religions both largely qualify him for meeting the specifications of an ideal prophet. However, some aspects of Muhammad 's life contradicted Weber 's outline, such as his concurrent political reign, signifying

There is no doubt that he upheld the "commanding figure" persona that Weber details in his ideal prophet description (Pals 160). In addition to being able to command peace, he was also able to command his followers to participate conquests, such as the overthrow of the rebellious Jewish tribes in the oases, and the hostile Bedouin confederation in Makka. He was able to lead Muslims through pilgrimages beginning with his first migration (hijra) to Madina in 622 C.E., then later with his two Umras in 628 and 630 C.E., and the Pilgrimage of Farewell in 632 C.E (Ruthven 43). These significant events mark several of the milestones in his leadership career and the subsequent spread of Islam. Muhammad had successfully become a political, economic, social, and military leader, commanding what became the greatest force in the Arabian peninsula, the umma