Ibn Ishaq's "The Life of Muhammad, Apostle of Allah" is considered the earliest comprehensive biography of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. Though the original 8th-century manuscript is lost, its content is largely preserved through later recensions by scholars like Ibn Hisham. This foundational work compiles oral traditions, anecdotes, and accounts of Muhammad's life, from his birth and early mission in Mecca to his migration to Medina, military campaigns, and ultimate triumph and death. It offers invaluable insights into the historical, social, and religious context of early Islam, detailing the revelations of the Quran and the challenges faced by the nascent Muslim community. As a primary source, it illuminates the formative years of Islam and the personality of its central figure.