Sīra
Definition
Sira refers to the biography of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — the detailed account of his life from birth to death, preserved by the companions and their successors and transmitted to every generation of Muslims. Al-Ghazali insists that studying the sira is not merely historical interest but a spiritual obligation: the Muslim who does not know the Prophet's ﷺ life in detail cannot truly follow his example, cannot recognise in the events of daily life the parallel situations that the sira addresses, and cannot feel the love for the Prophet ﷺ that genuine knowledge of his character produces in every sincere heart.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Sīra.
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"guidance and misguidance. Now we recount the battles and missions seeking assistance from Allah. The book of the battles, Imam Muhammad ibn Ishaq ibn Yassar, in his book of Sira, mentioned the scholars of the Jews and their enmity towards Islam and its people, as well as the verses revealed concerning them. Among them were Huya'i ibn Aqtab and his brothers Abu Yasir and Judai, Salam ibn Mishkam, Kinana ibn Rabi ibn Abi al-Huqayq, and Salam ibn Abi al-Huqayq, who was Abu Rafi, a merchant of the people of Hijaz. He was killed by the companions in Khebar, as will be mentioned later. Also included were Rabi ibn al-Rabi ibn Abi al-Huqayq,"
— Ibn Kathir, Volume 3 — The Sīrah: From the First Revelation to Badr
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"if you had refused except for a large amount, I would have bought him." In the Sira, it is noted that Abu Bakr exchanged a black polytheist slave for Bilal from Umayya ibn Khalaf. Hisham ibn Urwah narrated from his father that Waraqah ibn Nawfal once saw Bilal being tortured for his faith, with his back against the hot ground, repeating "One, One." Waraqah encouraged him, saying, "O Bilal! Be patient, for by the One in whose hand is my soul, if you are killed, I will make you a martyr." However, this is a mursal narration, as Waraqah did not live until that time."
— Imam al-Dhahabī, Volume 1
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"and the caliph's son. Thus, the sultan ordered that Bahram be housed in one of the residences of Sira city that belonged to the caliph's son, and he commanded that a house be built for him there. When this reached the caliph's son, he became angered and went to the sultan's residence, where he sat on the carpet that he habitually sat upon. He sent for the minister and said, Greet Khund Alam and tell him that everything he has given me is as it was, unused, and has in fact increased and flourished with me. I will no longer stay with you, and he left."
— Ibn Battuta, Volume Two: From India to the Lands of the West
Appears in
1 book in the library
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