The prophet Muhammad is certainly one of the most influential figures in history. Michael H. Hart, in his book, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, puts Muhammad at the top of the 100 most influential personalities.

More than a billion people across the world follow Muhammad and take him as their guide, mentor and leader. Muslims' respect, love and reverence for Muhammad are deep and genuine. Out of regard, Muslims always say "Peace be upon him" every time they invoke his name. Muhammad's legacy is far-reaching and permeates every aspect of Muslim life.

Today, Saturday, coincides with the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Interestingly, this day isn't celebrated as a religious day. In some Muslim countries it is an official holiday; in others it isn't. The birthday of Muhammad doesn't have the same religious significance as the birthdays of other religious figures. This is partly due to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad himself, who taught his disciples not to glorify him and only refer to him as the "servant of God."

Prophet Muhammad is unique among historical figures. Many aspects of his private and public life have been recorded by his disciples. Things as simple as the number of grey hairs in his head, how he smiled, how he walked, what type of foods he liked, etc., have been recorded with great detail. His rulings, sayings and precedents are the foundations of Islamic jurisprudence.

Bride of New France

By Suzanne Desrochers

Penguin Canada, 224 pages, $25

This is a moody, beautiful piece of historical fiction, casting Louis XIV's Paris as a grey and Gothic city, pitiless toward its poor and dark with imperial desires.