Understanding, Evolution, Modern Trends, and Thematic Dimensions of Seerah Writing: A Research Study

سیرت نگاری کی تفہیم، ارتقاء، جدید رجحانات اور موضوعاتی جہات کا تحقیقی مطالعہ

Abstract

The study of Seerah (biography of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) has remained a vital part of Islamic scholarship throughout history. This research explores the understanding, evolution, modern trends, and thematic dimensions of Seerah writing in both classical and contemporary contexts. The first section defines Seerah, its linguistic and technical meanings, and traces the beginning of Seerah compilation, including the earliest efforts in Medina during the period of the Maghazi (military campaigns). The second section discusses the gradual development of Seerah writing, particularly the second phase of compilation in Medina, traditional approaches, and its growth in Urdu literature. The third section examines modern Seerah writing with special focus on the latter half of the twentieth century, highlighting the emergence and progress of thematic Seerah studies and introducing the contributions of modern scholars in this field. The fourth section focuses on key thematic Seerah writers such as Dr. Hamidullah, Professor Dr. Yaseen Mazhar, and Dr. Muhammad Saadullah, analyzing their works and assessing their academic contributions. Finally, the research emphasizes the contemporary need for thematic Seerah writing to address current intellectual, social, and global challenges. This study not only highlights the historical journey of Seerah writing but also provides an academic evaluation of its changing trends and methodologies, showing how classical foundations have led to modern thematic approaches in Seerah scholarship.