The Spirit of Islam is considered one of the best and most well-written sources of information on the life of Mohammed the prophet and the history of Islam. Consisting of two parts, "The Life and Ministry of the Prophet" and "The Spirit of Islam," the book contains the literary, cultural, social, political, and philosophical history of Islam. Originally, the book was a short work entitled "A Critical Examination of the Life and Teachings of Mohammad," but the author later revised the work into what it is today. SYED AMEER ALI (1849-1928) was an Indian Muslim who wrote several books about Islamic history and practice, as well as Islamic law. A respected jurist himself, and a descendant of Mohammad, Ali's words were extremely influential. He achieved honors in school, began a legal practice in Calcutta, and was one of the most accomplished Muslims of his time before he moved to London at age 20. When he returned to Calcutta in 1873, he continued his law practice, became a law professor at Calcutta University, and founded the Central National Mohammedan Association in 1877, a political organization central to promoting modern Muslim thought. Ali moved back to London in 1904, establishing the London Muslim League in 1908 and the first London mosque in 1910. Ali continued to write and make breakthroughs for Muslims until his death in 1928.