Seerah – Part 1
Importance of Studying the Seerah
(March 12, 2021)
الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على سيد المرسلين وعلى آله وأصحابه أجمعين
Importance of Studying the Seerah
My dear brothers and sisters! I welcome you to the first session of the seerah of the best of creation – our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S). Before we begin to look into the story of the Prophet (S), we should first know why it is so important to study the seerah. Tonight’s session will just deal with this topic. InshaAllah, in the next session, we will look into the actual story tracing the main events that preceded the Prophet’s birth.
Seerah is the story of the Prophet’s life created by combining many historical reports chronologically into a unified narrative. This would include knowledge of events that preceded his birth, his interactions and dealings with his companions, his family, people around him including the believers, the disbelievers, the hypocrites, and the People of the Book. Seerah also covers events that occurred shortly after his death, and goes a little further in time.
The standard of authenticity for reports used in compiling seerah is much lower than for hadith. Hadith serves to document the words, actions and approvals of the Prophet (S) making them a fundamental source of Islam, while seerah provides lessons from the Prophet’s life.
Why is studying the seerah important? Actually, there are several good reasons why we should study the seerah. The first and foremost reason is to understand the Qur’an. We know that Allah Himself has preserved and protected the Qur’an for all times to come, for He says,
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ
“It is We Who have sent down the Reminder and We Who will preserve it” (al-Hijr, 15:9).
Preservation of the Qur’an is not only restricted to protecting its words from change. If that was the case, its meanings could be manipulated according to human desires, while its words remained intact. However, Allah (SWT) also protected the Qur’an’s essential meanings from change by entrusting the explanation and the interpretation of the meanings of the Qur’an to the Prophet (S). In this respect, Allah (SWT) says,
وَأَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
“And We have sent down the Reminder to you so that you can make clear to mankind what has been sent down to them so that hopefully they will reflect” (al-Nahl, 16:44).
To understand the meanings of rulings and commandments in the Qur’an, we have to consider what the Prophet (S) said or did regarding them. For example, in the Qur’an, Allah commands the believers to offer salah, to pay zakah, to observe sawm, and to perform Hajj. However, in order to obey these instructions correctly, one must study the methodology of the Prophet in this regard. Among his many clarifications concerning salah, Allah’s Messenger instructed his followers saying, wa sallu kama raitumuni usalli. “And pray as you have seen me praying.” Likewise he gave specific instructions regarding zakah, sawm, the rituals of Hajj, and many other rulings in the Qur’an pertaining to the daily lives of believers. So, the Prophet’s sayings and actions recorded in the collection of hadith were primarily based on revelation from Allah (SWT) and are considered a fundamental source of guidance in Islam. Concerning this aspect of Prophet (S), Allah (SWT) says in Surat an-Najm:
وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَى إِنْ هُوَ إِلاَّ وَحْيٌ يُوحَى
“He does not speak from his own desire. It is nothing but Revelation revealed” (al-Najm,53:3-4).
And the Prophet (S) reiterated this point in one of his recorded statements which said, “Indeed, I was given the Qur’an and something similar to it along with it.” He was referring to his divinely guided sayings and actions.
Another reason for studying the seerah is that it helps us to follow the example of the Prophet’s exemplary character: Because the Prophet (S) was guided by revelation in his personal life, his character and social interactions became prime examples of moral conduct for Muslims until the Last Day. Exhorting believers to follow the Prophet’s example, Allah says in Surat al-Ahzab,
لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الآَخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا
“The Messenger of Allah is an excellent model for those of you who put your hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah very often.” (al-Ahzab, 33:21).
The Prophet (S) practiced what he preached. He very carefully and meticulously followed the Qur’an. He lived the Qur’an at every moment; in every detail of his life. His life was the reflection of Allah’s Words. He became the Qur’an in person—the embodiment of the Qur’an. In fact, when the Prophet’s wife `A’ishah (RA) was asked about his conduct, she replied, Kaana khuluquhul Qur’an “His character was the Qur’an.” The daily life of the Prophet as recorded in Hadith represents an ideal code of good conduct. Addressing His beloved Prophet, Allah says in Surat al-Qalam:
وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ
“And you are surely on an exalted standard of character” (al-Qalam, 68:4).
The uniqueness of the Prophet Muhammad (S) is that he was not only a great person in his own time, but he is great for all times, for all people of any race, color, nationality or geographical location. His example was good for the 7th-century Arabs and it is good also for the humanity living now at the beginning of this 21st century. He is an excellent example for the rich and poor, for young and old, for rulers and ruled, for the most intelligent as well as the most common people. Allah sent him as His Prophet for all humanity.
The morality of the Prophet (S) was not restricted to just a few moral attributes, but included diverse traits and aspects of life. He was not only kind, compassionate, caring, generous and humble, but also strong, brave, eloquent, wise and insightful. He was a great planner, organizer and thinker, yet he was also a man of faith, trust and devotion to Allah. He was involved and active with his family and community but he did not neglect his prayers, fasting and devotion to Allah. Actually, he prayed so much that no one prayed like him. He was exemplary as a teacher, preacher, imam, leader, statesman, judge, commander of the armies as well as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a businessman, a neighbor, and a friend. Before he received the honor of prophethood, he was known among the people of Makkah as “As-Sadiq Al-Amin,” the most honest and trustworthy person. He kept this character throughout his life. He never broke a pledge or promise. Even his enemies could not accuse him of being dishonest.
The Prophet’s demanding personality enabled him to transcend his ego, and give himself. He carried a universal message, both in the experience of love present throughout his life and in his reminders to people of the need to adhere to a universal ethics that goes beyond divisions, affiliations, and rigid identities. He was the beloved of Allah and an example among humans.
Another good reason for studying the seerah is that it helps us to appreciate the sacrifices, the Prophet (S) made for his ummah: Whenever we go through rough and tough times, and adverse circumstances, we find comfort and consolation in the seerah, because the Prophet (S) went through the hardest of times, and still stood firm and maintained his calm and composure. He started the message of Islam in Arabia at a time when human rights had no meaning, might was right and the society was entrenched in paganism. In this environment Prophet Muhammad (S) taught a message of justice, peace, human rights, animal rights and even environmental rights as ordained by Allah, the One True Creator of all that is in the universe.
Allah has shown us in the character of Prophet Muhammad (S) the model of a companionate person. He treated every one, friends and foe, man and woman, young and old, with kindness and respect. Even when some of the pagan Arabs reacted to his message with extreme hatred, he showed love and kindness. Showing mercy and forgiving others can only be the attributes of the very strong. Referring to the Prophet’s universal all-embracing mercy, Allah (SWT) says in Surat al-.Anbiya,
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَ
“And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds” (al-Anbiya, 21:107).
Study of the seerah also helps in developing a Muslim identity: We see all around that there is a huge identity crisis. Perhaps, there will be many who will most likely know the names of celebrities or players in their favorite soccer team, and not know the names of the prominent companions of the Prophet (S). One way to overcome this identity crisis is to study the history of Islam, which chiefly is the life history of the Prophet, his companions, and the righteous predecessors.
All those who study Muhammad (S)’s life regardless of personal religious belief can derive teachings from his seerah. The Prophet (S) came to humankind with a message of faith, ethics, and hope, in which the Supreme Being reminds all people of His presence, His requirements, and the final Day of Return and Accountability.
Strangely enough, events that took place in 7th century Arabia have much to teach us about the events of our time and their underlying significance. Muhammad (S) called the prevailing spirit of time jahiliyyah, understood as “Time of Ignorance,” that is, the pre-Islamic period in Arabia. But, as recent research shows, Muhammad (S) used the term jahiliyyah to refer not to an historical era but to a state of mind that caused violence and terror in 7th century Arabia. This is much in evidence today in the East and West, as well as in the Muslim world.
At the close of his mission, in the plain lying at the foot of Jabal ar-Rahmah, the Mount of Mercy, men and women of all races, cultures, and colors, rich and poor, were present and listened to this message, which stressed, “the best among you is the best toward people.”
Last not but not least, study of the seerah also helps to develop the love of Prophet (S) in our hearts: Loving the Prophet (S) is ‘ibadah—a part of iman. In a well-known hadith, the Prophet (S) said, “None of you will attain true faith until you love me more than your parents, your children and the whole world.”
What does it mean? It means that you are willing to give up your desires to follow the example and to follow the way of the Prophet (S), which means preferring him over everyone and everything else. In fact, ayah 31 of Surat Aal Imran makes following the Prophet (S) a condition for loving Allah (SWT).
قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
Say, If you love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive you your sins; Allah is most forgiving, most merciful (Aal ‘Imran 3:31).
Allah says in verse 24 of Surat at-Taubah:
قُلْ إِنْ كَانَ آَبَاؤُكُمْ وَأَبْنَاؤُكُمْ وَإِخْوَانُكُمْ وَأَزْوَاجُكُمْ وَعَشِيرَتُكُمْ وَأَمْوَالٌ اقْتَرَفْتُمُوهَا وَتِجَارَةٌ تَخْشَوْنَ كَسَادَهَا وَمَسَاكِنُ تَرْضَوْنَهَا أَحَبَّ إِلَيْكُمْ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَجِهَادٍ فِي سَبِيلِهِ فَتَرَبَّصُوا حَتَّى يَأْتِيَ اللَّهُ بِأَمْرِهِ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ
“Say, If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your extended family, the worldly goods you have acquired, the trade you fear will decline, and the dwellings you love are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and the struggle in His cause, then just wait until Allah brings about His command. Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.” (at- Taubah, 9:24)
When we claim to love someone, we need to learn more about that person, and this is especially true about Prophet Muhammad (S). Anybody who has studied the Prophet’s seerah is astounded at the enormous exertion that the Prophet (S) had to undergo in order to accomplish his mission. We cannot understand his achievements unless we appreciate what he was up against.
It is recommend that all of us without exception study the noble seerah of the Prophet (S). There is a huge collection of works on seerah ranging from the earliest classical works from the first century of the hijrah (i.e., the 7th and early 8th century CE) to present times.
May Allah (SWT) give us the tawfiq to study the seerah. Insha’Allah, this will motivate us to follow the example of our beloved Prophet (S).
إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
“Indeed, Allah and His angels bless the Prophet; O you who believe, invoke blessings on him and invoke peace upon him in a worthy manner” (al-Ahzab, 33:56).
اللهمّ صَلِّ على محمدٍ وعلى آلِ محمدٍ كما صلَّيْتَ على إبراهيمَ وعلى آل إبراهيمَ إِنّك حميدٌ مجيد
الهمّ بارِكْ على محمد وعلى آلِ محمدٍ كما باركتَ على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيمَ إِنّك حميدٌ مجيد
