Introduction to Seerah
An introduction covering the definition of Seerah, the reasons for studying it, the sources used in this course, and key Arabic terminologies.
Lessons
Definition of Seerah
The word Seerah means a path and refers to the biography or life of a person. In this course, Seerah refers to the life of the greatest man who ever lived — Muhammad ﷺ.
Seerah as the History of Islam
The life of Muhammad ﷺ is the history of Islam. The Companions taught Seerah to their children the same waythey taught Qurʾan.
Love of Muhammad ﷺ
One of the most important reasons for studying Seerah is to develop a deep and sincere love for Muhammad ﷺ. The more aperson knows him, the more they love him.
Following the Way of Muhammad ﷺ and Understanding Qurʾan
Seerah enables us to follow the way of Muhammad ﷺ and understand Qurʾanic Ayat revealed in response to specific events in his life. It also shows the methodological stages of the Islāmic Daʿwah.
Seerah as Ibadah and Developing a Muslim Identity
Studying Seerah is an act of worship. It is also the foundation for building a strong Muslim identity against the tide of a dominant global culture.
The Life of Muhammad ﷺ — Testimony of Prophethood and the Greatest Man
Studying the life of Muhammad ﷺ is itself a proof of his Prophethood. He is the greatest man who ever lived, as testified by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Sources Used and Arabic Terminologies
This lesson covers the two primary sources of this course — Ibn Kathīr and Sahīh As-Seerah An-Nabawiyyah — and explains key Arabic terms used throughout.