One Or Three

One or Three was published in 2003 as part of an ongoing scholarly effort to interrogate the historical foundations of early Islamic history. Written by German scholar Karl-Heinz Ohlig, the work serves as a critical examination of the emergence of Islam, specifically focusing on the textual and archaeological evidence surrounding its formative period. It is situated within the broader context of the 'Inarah' institute's research, which sought to challenge traditional narratives by applying rigorous historical-critical methods to early Islamic documents, such as inscriptions and coinage.

The design and scholarly approach of the book reflect Ohlig's specialized background in religious history and linguistics. By meticulously analyzing the linguistic evolution of early religious texts, Ohlig aimed to present a nuanced argument regarding the transition from late antique sectarian identities to the established faith of Islam. Upon its release by Peter Lang Publishing, the work was received primarily within academic circles as a provocative contribution to the 'revisionist' school of Islamic studies, sparking rigorous debate among historians and theologians regarding the reliability of traditional source materials.