The Expeditions is one of the oldest extant biographies of the Prophet Muhammad. Its primary author, Ma’mar ibn Rashid (96-153H/714-770 AD), was a prominent scholar from Basra who was revered for his learning in prophetic traditions, Islamic law, and the interpretation of the Qur’an. This fascinating work contains stories handed down by Ma’mar to his most prominent pupil, Abd al Razzaq of Sanaa, relating Muhammad’s early life and prophetic career as well as the adventures and tribulations of his earliest followers during their conquest of the Near East.