section_path: Legacy/Criticism
section_name: Criticism
paragraph_text: Criticism
  
  Criticism of Muhammad has existed since the 7th century, when Muhammad was decried by his non-Muslim Arab contemporaries for preaching monotheism, and by the Jewish tribes of Arabia for his perceived appropriation of Biblical narratives and figures and proclamation of himself as the " Seal of the Prophets." In the Middle Ages, Western and Byzantine labeled him a false prophet, the Antichrist, or portrayed him as a heretic as he was frequently portrayed in Christendom. Contemporary criticism involves questioning Muhammad's legitimacy as a prophet, his moral conduct, marriages, ownership of slaves, treatment of enemies, approach to doctrinal matters, and psychological well-being.