To any Islamophobes tuning in, pop your teeth-grinding guards in and gather round. I invite even you to pick up a book about the life of history’s only true heavyweight champion.
Prophet Mohammed (saw) stands as the ultimate embodiment of reverence and adoration throughout the entire world, the finest among mankind to have ever walked this earth. In 2022, He (saw) was acclaimed as the foremost figure on Pantheon’s revered list of the most unforgettable individuals, a position, they assert, he held from 3501 BC until the present era.
The most widely known portrayal of his life unfolds in the 1976 cinematic masterpiece ‘The Message,’ produced by Moustapha Akkad.
However, it’s evident that the film’s acting and visual effects will appear somewhat antiquated today, particularly to the over stimulated mind of an 18-year-old from Generation Z.
In literary form, notable works of the life of Prophet Mohammed (saw) include ‘The Sealed Nectar’ and ‘When the Moon Split.’
The author of the Sealed Nectar, Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri won awards for his work in the 70’s. However, there has been criticism of it since. For example, Shaykh Uthman ibn Farooq contends that it does not stand as the paramount seerah in the English language presently, citing its significant dependence on weak ahadith. Unlike Shaykh Uthman, I don’t possess the expertise of a Muhaddith, this particular topic is therefore not within my domain. It is however, important to note that The Sealed Nectar made billions of people fall in love with the Prophet Mohammed (saw). Consequently, may Allah (swt) accept this offering from our brother Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri and have mercy upon him.
What I wish to discuss today is the way in which the life of Prophet Mohammed (saw’s) is depicted in literary form.
‘The Simple Seerah’ by Ustadh Asim Khan and Toyris Miah is possibly the most refreshing and exceptional seerah resources. It is tailored for teenagers but is equally, an insightful read for adults. It stands as one of the foremost, if not the only, of its kind. Its efficacy lies in its well written and vibrant storytelling approach that makes for an easy read. The stylistic resemblance of this book could be made to Shaykha Fatima Barkatullah’s work on Khadijah RA, titled, ‘Khadijah: Mother of History’s greatest nation’. A book I would highly recommend.
What I found particularly enriching in the authors work is the commencing of the poignant event of Prophet Mohammed’s (saw’s) passing. The first chapter offers integral insights into the profound influence RasoolAllah (saw) exerted over his companions and, indeed, the forthcoming lasting impact on humanity until the end of time. Such a narrative approach not only ignites fervour but also fosters a palpable sense of anticipation within the reader and enables us to understand the magnitude of who the Prophet Mohammed (saw) was.
The book narrates the life of RasoolAllah (saw) from his birth to the Hijra. Drawing from esteemed classical sources of seerah such as Ibn Sa’d’s Tabaqaat and Ibn Kathir’s As-Seerah an-Nabawiyyah. The authors use these historical accounts to present RasoolAllah (saw’s) biography by colourfully bringing the story to life.
The inclusion of perspectives from specific companions offers intriguing glimpses into pivotal events, enriching the narrative.
I welcome the growing acceptance of creative storytelling styles in seerah literature. Previously perceived as straying too far from traditional accounts, this approach now appears to be gaining traction.
This series, crafted as a concise narrative, presents an invaluable resource particularly suited for reverts, discerning adults seeking a condensed seerah series, and adolescents aged 13-16. I eagerly await delving into Part 2 of this seerah series, which sits on my bookshelf.
Indeed, it is imperative to acknowledge that the life of RasoolAllah (peace be upon him) serves as our guiding compass—a beacon illuminating the path of our existence as Muslims. As the quintessential hero in our narrative, delving deeply into his life narrative becomes not only a means to forge a closer connection with him but also to gain a more profound understanding of our faith.
To truly cultivate a deeper connection with Rasool Allah (saw), it is essential to engage with the “Six Major Books,” recognised as the Kutub’l-Sittah.
When contemplating on meeting Prophet Mohammed (saw) in Jannah, it is incumbent upon us, as Muslims, to nurture a yearning for such a rendezvous. This yearning can only blossom from an intense love for our Prophet, transcending mere familiarity. Omar Suileman’s artfully penned book, “Meeting Mohammed,” also aids in this endeavour by presenting detailed narrations about RasoolAllah (saw) from the perspectives of his companions.
Both Muslims and non-Muslims alike should devote time to understanding the beloved Prophet Mohammed (saw), a mercy sent to mankind.
“And We have sent you (O Muhammad SAW) not but as a mercy for the Alameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists)”
Qur’an 21:07
For he (saw) was a man of justice and exceptional strategic acumen in matters of warfare—a man of true masculinity. Prophet Mohammed (saw) possessed unimaginable compassion, love for us, beauty, and influence—a defender of human rights (based upon divine decree), and an exceptional father and husband.
May we all get to drink from the hands of our beautiful prophet (saw) at the fountain of Al-Kawthar in Jannah.
