Even though there are more Christian and Jewish texts than Muslim texts on the history of seventh-century Arabia, why are scholars reluctant to rely on them for understanding the early history of Islam?
Non-Muslim sources were often biased against Muhammad and his mission.
Non-Muslim scholars did not view Islam as separate from Christianity and Judaism until the ninth century.
Non-Muslim scholars only read Latin and were unable to translate Arabic texts.
Non-Muslim sources contain few direct references to Muhammad and the rise of Islam.