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Seerat-e Mustafa

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Seerat-e Mustafa (Urdu: سیرت مصطفیؐ) is a 20th-century prophetic biography authored in Urdu by Idris Kandhlawi. Grounded in authentic narrations and presented in a classical style akin to primary Arabic sources,[1] the narrative responds to Sirat al-Nabi by Shibli Nomani,[2] addressing certain theories proposed by Syed Ahmad Khan and Shibli Nomani with a degree of skepticism.[3] Known for avoiding Western-influenced perspectives,[4] the text systematically addresses objections raised against various segments of the prophetic biography.[5]

Seerat-e Mustafa
Colourful image
English cover
AuthorIdris Kandhlawi
Original titleسیرت مصطفی
LanguageUrdu
SubjectSīrah
GenreClassical
Published1941 (As per the İslâm Ansiklopedisi)
Publication placePakistan
Published in English
2011
Media typePrint
ISBN9789695832417 English
297.09

Opening context

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The book was written to present a prophetic biography through hadiths, aiming to portray his life without introducing doubt or unnecessary interpretations.[6] In the foreword of the book, the author critiques existing biographies, noting their influence by modern philosophy and European thinkers, which seeks to reconcile the prophet's actions with Western civilization, philosophy, and science. The author emphasizes the need for a biography that excludes distasteful narratives and avoids discomforting readers while refraining from interpreting hadiths for modern sensibilities or invalidating them through critical assessments of narrators.[6]

Regarding the initial publication, there are discrepancies in opinions. One viewpoint suggests an initial release in 1956 from Lahore, later revised and published in 1979 in collaboration with Maktaba Islamiya Saudiyya and Maktaba Usmaniyya.[6] Another opinion posits a 1961 first edition, with three volumes made public, and the fourth volume, completed in 1966, subsequently published.[6] There is a 5-year gap between these perspectives. According to İslâm Ansiklopedisi, the initial volume was published in 1941, and the last volume was printed in Deoband in 1966,[7] and the book was also published by Maktaba Ilmiyya Saharanpur.[8] A recent publication is from 2003 by Faisal Publications in Pakistan.[9]

Volume synopsis

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One

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This volume comprises 19 chapters, beginning with an introduction on the necessity of the prophetic biography. It covers various aspects such as lineage, the Elephant companions incident, birth, the chest-splitting incident, secrets and wisdom, marriage to Khadija, Kaaba construction, revelation commencement, and the effects of prophethood. Additional topics include the reality of prophethood, predecessors, the proclamation of Islam invitation, the moon splitting miracle, first migrations, the year of sorrow, the Ta'if journey, the Night Journey incident, the beginning of Islam in Medina, Medina migration, and the Qibla change command. It also examines the prayers of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.[10]

Two

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This volume examines eight key topics, including Jihad in the path of God, battles, expeditions, the revelation affirming the innocence of Aisha, the ruling on hijab, the invitation letter to world leaders for Islam, Islam's stance on slavery, the peace treaty of Hudaybiyyah, and other relevant themes.[10] The author critically examines and challenges perceived inaccuracies attributed to Shibli Nomani in various sections. The majority of this volume focuses on the detailed analysis of the battles of Badr and Uhud.[11]

Three

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This is the longest volume, commencing with the Expedition of Dumat al-Jandal in the year 5 AH, encompassing significant events such as Battle of the Trench, Siege of Banu Qurayza, Invasion of Banu Lahyan, and Expedition of Dhu Qarad, along with various expeditions. It narrates the Pledge of the Tree, the Battle of Khaybar, the conquest of Fadak, the Battle of Mu'tah, the Conquest of Mecca, Battle of Hunayn, the Expedition of Tabuk, common delegations, the Farewell Pilgrimage, and events leading to the demise.[10]

Four

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This concise volume compiles prophecies from preceding prophets concerning the miracles of the Prophet, presenting a summary perspective on the subject.[10] The initial miracle is linked to the Quran, the second to the hadith, and the third is credited to Muslim scholars.[12]

Reference materials

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This book is structured around the compilation of hadiths, citing collections such as Kutub al-Sittah.[13] The author, when discussing the post-Hijrah period, especially battles and biographies, referenced narrations from hadith books such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Various sources were utilized, including Al-Khasa'is al-Kubra, History of the Prophets and Kings, and specific sections from Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, incorporating Aisha's narration. For the analysis of the beginning of revelation, the author extensively used biographical works like Al-Khasa'is al-Kubra, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, and Tafsir al-Tabari.[14] Other sources include Al-Muntaqa Ibnu Jarud, Mizan al-Itidal, Al-Dur al-Manthur, Zad al-Ma'ad, Umdat al-Qari, Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Al-Shifa, Sharh al-Shifa, Sirat al-Halbiya, Al-Bidaya wa l-Nihaya, Kitab Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Usd al-ghabah, Izhar ul-Haqq, Sirat al-Nabi, Madarij an-Nabuwwat, Majma al-Zawa'id, Fath al-Qadeer, Aab-i Hayat, Sharh al-Mawahib al-Ladunniyyah, Al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn, Dalâ'il al-Nubuwwa, Madaarij al-Salikin.[15]

Methodical design

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It employs a writing style that combines narrative and authorial approaches, recognized for its juristic characteristics by Kehkashan Khanam, owing to its in-depth presentation of legal issues.[13] The book extracts new meanings from hadith and Qur'anic verses.[16] The author's primary aim is transparent information presentation, avoiding distortion or concealment to prevent misinterpretation.[17] When discussing the Prophet's expeditions, the author emphasizes the jurisprudence of jihad, supplying a detailed understanding of its essence, types, conditions, and dispelling misconceptions for both Muslims and non-Muslims.[18] An aspect of the author's methodology is the chronological organization of biographies and military expeditions, avoiding distinctions between major battles and minor skirmishes for a seamless narrative.[18]

Academic reception

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It has received acclaim within academic circles for its approach, style, and distinctive presentation. Muhammad Zahiruddin, the biographer of Idris Kandhlawi, highlights the book's firmness, well-founded arguments, referencing, and clarity.[19] Ashraf Ali Thanwi universally encourages readers to scrutinize its contents.[20] Kehkashan Khanam from Aligarh Muslim University commends the authors for presenting a hadith-based biography in a hadith-like style.[21] Ibrat Jahan, also from Aligarh Muslim University, acknowledges the book's utility and recognizes its challenges for those with a new perspective.[22] Javid Ahmed Bhat, a scholar from the Islamic University of Science & Technology, describes it as a compilation embodying the essence of arabic sīrah literature.[23] Ashraf Dockrat from the University of Johannesburg praises its thoroughness and balanced treatment of crucial subjects.[24] Aaisha Khatoon, a scholar at Aligarh Muslim University, acknowledges its fame and uniqueness among Urdu biographies.[25] Mohammad Talib Khan from Aligarh Muslim University endorses it as an excellent sīrah.[9] Ishtiaque Ahmad from Maulana Azad National Urdu University expresses high regard for its importance.[17] Hafeez Ullah Khattak from Qurtuba University commends the authors' distinctive approach, emphasizing its value for researchers in the field of Prophetic biography.[26]

Press reviews

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It has received acclaim from various press outlets. Amader Shomoy appreciates the book's arrangement.[27] Daily Inqilab highlights its popularity among Bengali speakers.[28] Shomoyer Alo underscores the book's examination of fiqhi issues with documentary evidence.[29] Kaler Kantho commends the informative nature of this biography and the presentation of compliant explanations.[30] Islam Time praised the presentation and the book's commitment to using authentic narrations, coupled with a strong rebuttal of criticism through evidence and arguments.[31]

Translations

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Cover of the 2004 Bengali version by the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh

The book has been translated into Bengali by various translators. The first translator, Ubaidul Haq, has an unavailable translation.[28] Another translation is accessible through Muhiuddin Khan's Madina Publications.[28] Hemayet Uddin has also translated the book, published by Bud Comprint & Publications.[29] The Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, under the Government of Bangladesh, initiated a translation project.[31] The English version, published in 2011 by Zam Zam Publishers and Madrasah Arabia Islamia, was translated by Muhammed Kadwa. An abridged version by Jamiatul Ulama KZN's Talimi Board is available in a single volume.[2]

Legacy

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The book functions as a tool for resolving discussions related to hadith, particularly in the interpretation of specific events within the second volume of Sahih al-Bukhari.[17] In 2022, researchers Munir Ahmad, Hafiz Waqas Khan, and Hafeez Ullah Khattak jointly published a research paper on the methodology of this book.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Bhat, Javid Ahmed (2022). "Overview of Prominent Sīrah Writings of Modern Period: Modern Sirah Writings". Karachi Islamicus. 2 (2): 30. doi:10.58575/ki.v2i2.29. ISSN 2790-6558. Archived from the original on 10 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b Dockrat, Ashraf (2017). An Overview of the Sirah Literature. Sirah Convention. Linbro Park, Sandton, Gauteng: Jamia Uloom-ul-Islamia; Cordoba Academy. p. 21. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  3. ^ Khatoon, Aaisha (2017). Aazadi ke Baad Hindustan ki Khidmaat e Hadith (PhD) (in Urdu). India: Department of Sunni Theology, Aligarh Muslim University. p. 177. hdl:10603/364027. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  4. ^ a b Ahmad, Munir; Khan, Hafiz Waqas; Khattak, Hafeez Ullah (2022). "Sheikh Muhammad Idris Al-Kandhlawi, and his method to study the biography of the Prophet (pbuh): An analytical and descriptive study of the book "The Sirat-E-Mustafa" (pbuh)". Al-Azhār (in Arabic). 8 (1): 28. doi:10.46896/alazhr.v8i01.304 (inactive 1 November 2024). ISSN 2519-6707. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2023.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)
  5. ^ Ahmad, Ishtiaque (2020). Ulama E Deoband Ki Swaneh Umriyon Ka Tanqeedi Tajziya Azadi Se Qabl (PhD thesis) (in Urdu). India: Department of Urdu, Maulana Azad National Urdu University. p. 89. hdl:10603/338413. Archived from the original on 28 December 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d Khanam 2018, p. 188.
  7. ^ Birik, Abdulhamit (1988–2016). KANDEHLEVÎ, Muhammed İdrîs. TDV Encyclopedia of Islam (in Turkish). Vol. 24. Turkey: Presidency of Religious Affairs, Centre for Islamic Studies. pp. 294–295. Archived from the original on 31 October 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  8. ^ Khatoon 2017, p. 177.
  9. ^ a b Khan, Mohammad Talib (2018). Contribution of Aligarh Muslim University to Seerah Literature (PhD) (in Urdu). India: Department of Sunni Theology, Aligarh Muslim University. p. 464. hdl:10603/364770. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  10. ^ a b c d Khanam 2018, p. 189.
  11. ^ Jahan 2013, p. 20.
  12. ^ Khan 2018, p. 468.
  13. ^ a b Khanam 2018, p. 190.
  14. ^ Ahmad, Khan & Khattak 2022, p. 33.
  15. ^ Ahmad 2020, p. 95.
  16. ^ Jahan 2013, p. 19.
  17. ^ a b c Ahmad 2020, p. 87.
  18. ^ a b Ahmad, Khan & Khattak 2022, pp. 35.
  19. ^ Khanam, Kehkashan (2018). Research Study of the Urdu Books on Seerah in Twentieth Century (PhD) (in Urdu). India: Department Of Sunni Theology, Aligarh Muslim University. p. 191. hdl:10603/247655. Archived from the original on 3 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  20. ^ Ahmad 2020, p. 89.
  21. ^ Khanam 2018, p. 192.
  22. ^ Jahan, Ibrat (2013). Contribution of Darul Uloom Deoband to Seerah literature (PhD thesis). India: Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University. p. 19. hdl:10603/176381. Archived from the original on 3 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  23. ^ Bhat 2022, p. 31.
  24. ^ Dockrat 2017, p. 22.
  25. ^ Khatoon 2017, p. 176.
  26. ^ Ahmad, Khan & Khattak 2022, pp. 35, 36.
  27. ^ Maruf, Abdullah (10 December 2017). "9 Perennial Sirah Book in the Bengali Tongue". Amader Shomoy. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  28. ^ a b c Shah, Fazlul Haque (19 December 2019). "Historical Exploration of Sirat Traditions". Daily Inqilab. Archived from the original on 3 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  29. ^ a b Rashed, Rayhan (10 November 2019). "Exploring Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Life: A Survey of 10 Books". Shomoyer Alo. Archived from the original on 3 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  30. ^ Rashed, Rayhan (21 September 2019). "What are some recommended biographical books on the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?". Kaler Kantho. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  31. ^ a b Rahman, Oliur (7 November 2019). "Modern Era's Seerat: Seeratul Mustafa". Islam Time. Archived from the original on 10 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
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