Death comes easily in the seventh-century Arabian desert--from hunger and thirst to the relentless sun to war and raiding tribes who take by force the scarce resources needed to survive. In this harsh land, the powerful city of Mecca is a beacon, famous for its well, which provides abundant life-giving water, and its great temple, where pilgrims come to worship the totems of hundreds of gods. It is here that the prophet Muhammad is born.

As an orphan, he is disparaged by society. Brought up by an uncle, he was put to work on the caravan trade, traveling throughout Arabia, and soaking in an array of knowledge and religious views. He is a man of wisdom and faith who is troubled by the world around him. When God speaks to him, he sets out to preach what he has been told. Though every tribe has their own deity, he speaks of just one God. He shuns arrogance and the pursuit of luxury over truth and seeks to abolish slavery. In this patriarchal culture, he insists that smothering infant girls in the sand is murder, a custom to be abolished.

As the prophet starts to develop a following, the leaders of the city recognize the threat his radical views have to their lifestyle--one of wealth built in part upon the backs of slaves. The nobles try to turn the people and even his own family against him. They ban him and his tribe, and they torture and kill those who follow him. But no matter what they do to him, his influence continues to grow. The two sides eventually call upon allies throughout Arabia, rallying warriors for an epic battle that will forever change the course of history.