Study of the Characteristics and Distinctions of Muhammad Sadiq al-Arjun's Seerah Writing

محمد صادق العرجون کی سیرت نگاری : خصوصیات وامتیازات کا مطالعہ

Abstract

This paper examines the scholarly contributions of Sheikh Muhammad Sadiq Arjoun, particularly his biographical work on the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) titled "Muhammad Rasul Allah: Manhaj wa Risala, Bahth wa Tahqiq." Arjoun, a distinguished 20th-century Egyptian scholar, devoted over ten years to writing this extensive four-volume, 2700-page biography of the Prophet. His methodology is distinctive for its critical and analytical approach, meticulously evaluating narrations of the Prophet’s life through both sanad (chain of transmission) and matn (content) scrutiny. He integrated both rational and textual evidence to accept or reject narrations; often reconciling conflicting reports with logical arguments. Arjoun’s work is characterized by comprehensive coverage of multiple sources, critical commentary, and rejection of weak traditions, such as the incident of Gharaniq. He compared his methods with those of contemporaries like Muhammad Hussein Haykal and Abu Zahra, demonstrating superior depth and analysis. His book is not merely a compilation but a thoughtful academic exploration of the meanings and realities within the Prophet’s life events. Furthermore, Arjoun's unique method involves exploring philosophical, theological, and historical perspectives, thereby differentiating his work from that of traditional seerah writers. His work stands as a significant scholarly achievement in Islamic historiography, striking a balance between tradition and modern critical methodologies.