Dichotomy and Controversies of 20th Century Orientalists on Sīrah (An Analytical Study).

Abstract

‘Dichotomy and Controversies of 20th Century Orientalists on Sīrah’ is an untouched topic. The researcher has discussed it in seven chapters. The first chapter consists of the Introduction to the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The controversies and dichotomy of the orientalists with respect to Prophet’s ancestors, childhood and prophethood, are highlighted in the first chapter. Objections raised by the orientalists are narrated in the second chapter. The rejection of the objections of the orientalists by Eastern Christians, Jews, Hindus and Sikhs are also mentioned here. After the proclamation of Prophethood, the Muslims were forced to migrate to Abyssinia. Some orientalists raised some questions on the migration to Abyssinia due to adverse circumstances but some other Western scholars rejected accusations leveled against emigrants, in the third chapter. The fourth chapter comprises the Holy Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stature as a statesman. The Charter of Madina, Brotherhood between the Emigrants and Helpers, Treaties with the Jews, Christians and Idolaters, were the constitutional infrastructure of the city state of Madina. Objections were raised by a band of orientalists but another band alluded that no malafide intentions have been found against the Prophet given system. In chapter five war strategy of Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has been discussed. Orientalists recognize the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as a successful commander, services of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) were free of cost. War strategy was for creating peace in the state and outside in the entire world. Orientalists objected that Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was trying to 5 get power and pelf by the use of sword. It was an aggression against non- Muslims. After objections, rejection is clear against these objections. In rejection the orientalists say that no aggression has been made on the part of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Great tolerance has been shown by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Crucial enmity changed into tolerance and brotherhood. No massacre has been made by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions during the course of the conquest of Makkah. Chapter six is on conjugal system of Islam. Polygamy has been discussed in the light of the Holy Qur’ān and Hadīth. The Orientalists raised objections on the plural marriages of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). These objections have been repudiated vehemently. Some orientalists eulogized the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). In the end, the eulogy of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) by orientalists has been discussed who recognized him as a man of sublime character and one with whom there was no complaint of his family women. Chapter seven consists of conclusion of the research work. Gist of the thesis has been complied respectively as compared to the summary of the work. It is one of the short story of the research work for the kind perusal of the readers thereof.