The Islamic observance of Ramadan, a month-long fast, garners significant attention in contemporary media each year. During this period, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn until dusk, breaking their fast with communal meals known as iftar after sunset. Western dignitaries occasionally participate in these nightly feasts, highlighting Ramadan’s cultural prominence. In contrast to diurnal eating patterns, the fasting Muslim shifts sustenance to the nocturnal hours, consuming substantial meals throughout the night until the pre-dawn meal, suhoor. The Qur’an further mandates abstinence from food, drink, sexual relations, and idle speech during this period, framing fasting as a holistic act of devotion (Qur’an 2:183–187). Ramadan commences with the sighting of the new crescent moon and concludes when the subsequent crescent appears, culminating in the celebratory feast of Eid al-Fitr. This prompts a critical question: what are the historical origins of this fasting practice?

In the first volume of Star Akbar, noted scholar Dr. Rafat Amari examines the history of Allah, the god of the Quran, in the era before Islam. In particular, he chronicles the evolution of the name and worship of “Allah” according to archaeological data from Arabia. He further examines the influence of various religions such as Zoroastrianism, Mandaeanism, and Gnosticism on the concept of deity and their role in defining Allah’s star-like characteristics and elevation above other deities.

Dr. Amari demonstrates that Mohammed’s claims were no new phenomenon. In fact, many before him had made similar claims concerning the local Arabian deity called “Allah,” and Mohammed borrowed many of their rituals, customs, and traditions.

Finally, Dr. Amari examines Mohammed’s concept of Allah. In particular, despite Islam’s attempts to build bridges between Allah and the God of the Bible, Dr. Amari demonstrates that the origins of Mohammed’s concept of deity lay in ancient Arabic traditions and the beliefs of those who belonged to the pre-Islamic era of Jahiliyyah.

This book is foundational for those who desire to study the roots of Mohammed’s concept of Allah, how the “inspiration” of Mohammed was formed, and the elements that constituted his religion. This volume represents Dr. Amari’s extensive research of original source documents and cites a wealth of scholarly books and articles.