al-Sira al-Nabawiya Manhajiyat Dirasatuha wa Istirad Ahdathiha
- Author died
- 1442 AH
- Editions
- Dar Ibn Kathir
al-Sira al-Nabawiya: Manhajiyat Dirasatuha wa Istirad Ahdathiha (The Prophetic Biography: The Methodology of Its Study and the Presentation of Its Events) is a university-level study of the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by the historian Abd al-Rahman Ali al-Hajji (d. 1442 AH / 2021 CE), published by Dar Ibn Kathir in Damascus and Beirut .
Background and Purpose
Although al-Hajji's primary academic specialty was Andalusian history, he maintained a long-standing interest in the Prophetic biography as part of general Islamic history . He composed the work as a comprehensive textbook based on his experience teaching the subject over nearly thirty annual and semester university courses across several Arab countries, designing it both as a synthesis of his instructional method and as an introductory foundation for further historical studies .
Methodology
Al-Hajji aimed to present the biography not as detached, abstract theories, but through the active dynamics and lived struggles of the early Islamic community . His approach grounds historical events in the Quran and the Sunnah, highlighting core theological principles—including divine unity (tawhid), lordship (rububiyya), worship (uluhiyya), and divine governance (hakimiyya)—while drawing models of faith, sacrifice, and community-building from the lives of the Prophet ﷺ and the Companions .
Structure and Contents
The book opens with introductory prefatory sections and is arranged into nine major research chapters (mabahith), followed by a conclusion and detailed thematic indices :
- Section One: The dimensions and horizons of studying the noble biography .
- Section Two: The continuity of the historical procession and principles of insightful comprehension .
- Section Three: The exemplary models and comprehensive virtues of the biography .
- Section Four: The birth of the Messenger ﷺ as a successive spiritual rebirth .
- Section Five: The portents (irhasat) and historical signs surrounding the Prophet's birth .
- Section Six: The Prophetic emigration (Hijra) between sacrifice and state-building .
- Section Seven: The enduring and continuous relevance of the Hijra .
- Section Eight: The Hijra as covenant and allegiance (bay'a) .
- Section Nine: The foundational realities and pillars of the Hijra .
The text concludes with a synthesis of practical lessons ('ibar), followed by a bibliography of sources and a list of the author's published works . It includes general reference indices covering Quranic verses, Hadiths and traditions, poetry, biographical figures, locations, tribes and groups, and subject topics .
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