Hamdard Islamicus (Jun 2024)
MODERN WESTERN TRENDS IN SERAH WRITING: AN ASSESSMENT OF JOHN V. TOLAN AND CRAIG CONSIDINE’S APPROACH
Abstract
The captivating realm of SÊrah writing, encapsulating the life of Prophet Muhammad (Hazrat Muhammad Rasulullah Khatam un Nabiyyin Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa ‘ala alihi wa Ashabihi wa Sallam), has long been a focal point within the intellectual tapestry of Islam. Scholars, historians, and biographers, both Muslim and non-Muslims, have passionately contributed to this genre, transcending linguistic boundaries and embracing the diversity of world languages. Western authors have depicted the Holy Prophet (Sal Allah-u-‘alaihe wa sallam) in a myriad of ways, often leaning towards disparaging and negative portrayals, with sporadic instances of a positive and unbiased approach. However, a significant transformation has unfolded, particularly in the post-9/11 era, where admirers of the Holy Prophet (Sal Allah-u-‘alaihe wa sallam) ardently advocate for his multi-dimensional personality as a beacon for human emancipation, peace, progress, and salvation. Two such examples are John V. Tolan (b. 1959) and Craig Considine (b. 1985) — contemporary luminaries whose works echo this positive shift within non-Muslim Western scholarship. This study delves into an assessment and analysis of Tolan and Considine’s approach to SÊrah writing, seeking to illuminate the ‘positive approach of non-Muslim Westerners in Serah writing.’ One of the major findings of this study is that in the post-9/11 era, we witnessed a number of instances of the positive and authentic facets of Islam and the life of the Holy Prophet (sal Allah-u-‘alaihe wa sallam). Through scholarly endeavours, Tolan and Considine contribute significantly to this evolving narrative, marking a rising momentum in contemporary Western scholarship toward unveiling a more accurate and uplifting portrayal of Islam and the Holy Prophet (sal Allah-u-‘alaihe wa sallam).
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