Doesn't go into the debate, as his focus in on the later conquests outside of Arabia. But he seems to assume the prophet actually existed, telling the standard story and at one point citing seventh-century Arabic writing attesting to his existence. Many of the historical figures we know exited had a direct familial relationship with him, so I doubt that Muhammad's (pbuh) existence was completely made up.
Doesn't go into the debate, as his focus in on the later conquests outside of Arabia. But he seems to assume the prophet actually existed, telling the standard story and at one point citing seventh-century Arabic writing attesting to his existence. Many of the historical figures we know exited had a direct familial relationship with him, so I doubt that Muhammad's (pbuh) existence was completely made up.