New Horizons in Sirah Scholarship

A Comparative Approach examines the contemporary developments in the study of the Prophet Muhammad’s biography (Sīrah) by employing a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective. The work investigates how classical Islamic historiography, modern critical methods, and comparative religious studies intersect in shaping new understandings of the Prophet’s life. It traces the evolution of Sīrah scholarship from early Muslim historians such as Ibn Ishaq and al-Tabari to modern academic inquiries, highlighting methodological shifts influenced by textual criticism, anthropology, and historiography. The book also addresses the role of Western scholarship in redefining key narratives, the tensions between devotional and critical approaches, and the implications
of integrating non-Muslim sources into Sīrah studies. Through comparative analysis, the author situates the Sīrah within the broader tradition of prophetic biographies across religions, drawing parallels with biblical and other religious narratives while discussing the unique theological and cultural dimensions of the Islamic case. Special attention is given to the challenges of reconciling faith-based readings with historical-critical methods, and to the emerging trends in using digital humanities, archaeological evidence, and linguistic analysis to reassess traditional accounts. This work ultimately aims to open new methodological horizons for scholars by encouraging critical engagement without undermining the devotional value of the Sīrah. It serves as both an academic contribution and a bridge between traditional Muslim scholarship and modern historical inquiry, offering a comprehensive framework for future research in the field.
Keywords: Sīrah studies; Comparative religious biography; Islamic historiography; Historical-critical method; Prophet Muhammad