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This valuable work an exceptional guide to our understanding of Islamic origins and early Islamic-Christian relations. Few scholars have the expertise to translate the relevant texts contributing to this material. Dr. Bahkou’s analysis and commentary is impeccably acute in broadening our understanding of where the long oral traditions of this story correspond with the written evidence found in the Syriac Manuscript. This is a clearly articulated and masterful piece of research.Table of ContentsForeword by Joel C. ElowskyGeneral IntroductionChapter 1: Commentary on the Text-Early eastern Christian Reactions to Islam-The Main purpose of the Story-Date and Authorship of the Text-The Christian Story-Bahīra the Enemy of the Cross-The Apocalypse of Bahīra-The Contents of the Encounter-The Polemical and Religious Context of Bahīra-The Mardin Manuscript-ConclusionChapter 2: The Syriac TextEnglish TranslationBibliography