برصغیر و پاکستان میں سیرت نگاری: اسالیب، مناہج، رجحانات، خصوصیات اور چیلنجز کا تحقیقی و تقابلی جائزہ

Seerah Writing in South Asia and Pakistan: A Comparative Study of Styles, Methodologies, Trends, Characteristics, and Challenges

Abstract

The study of Seerah (the biography of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) has always been central to Islamic scholarship, and South Asia in particular has produced a rich and diverse body of literature in this field. This research provides a comparative analysis of the styles, methodologies, trends, characteristics, and challenges of Seerah writing in both the broader South Asian context and specifically in Pakistan. The study examines how scholars across different eras and schools of thought structured their narratives, utilized sources, and adopted distinctive interpretative approaches. Particular attention is given to the historical, theological, and intellectual contexts that shaped their writings, as well as the ways in which cultural and socio-political factors influenced the presentation of Seerah. Pakistani Seerah scholarship is further analyzed to highlight its unique trends, strengths, and limitations, with a focus on contemporary challenges such as sectarian biases, academic rigor, and the integration of modern research methodologies. The research employs qualitative and comparative methods, relying on textual analysis of selected Seerah works that are considered significant within academic and public circles. Through this analysis, the study aims to uncover how South Asian and Pakistani scholars have contributed to the broader corpus of Seerah studies and what lessons can be drawn for future scholarship. Ultimately, the research underscores the importance of methodological clarity, balance between traditional and modern approaches, and the need for a critical yet respectful engagement with Seerah literature.