Western Understanding of the Sirah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with Orientalistic Approach.... A Critical Analysis

Abstract

اسوہ حسنہ اورمغربی ذہن کے اشکالات....استشراقی فکرکے تناظرمیں
 تحقیقی و تنقیدی جائزہ
 Western mind always remains muddled to fathom the Islamic belief “Prophethood” but it is grand reality that the West has contributed a lot in “Sirah Writing” from 17th to the present age. Although, in primary literature, Western scholars have delineated their abhorrence in this regard, without any research analysis. They usually used to twist the facts and misinterpret the text in attempt to sustain their assumption under their own perception. In the present age, literary change is seen in Western Writings that scholars have admired categorically the demonstrative Personality of Mohammad (PBUH) as well as they have praised his attributes as authoritative leader, Reformer, Peace maker etc. It will discuss the changes which were seen in Western writings about Sirah and analysis the causes and facts accordingly. It will also throw light on the Western assumption about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); which has been prevailed in their writings before 19th even changed now. Islam is religion of Peace and Prophet of Islam has sent as” Blessing for All the Universe” from God Almighty so the question is what are the motives to bring forward theses western suppositions in this regard and at what extent it will affect? It will be discussed through comparative analysis among the Sirah books by Western Scholars Maxim Rodinson, Karen Armstrong and Michael Cook.