Prophecy in the Writings of Orientalists

Abstract

Orientalist studies have treated the Prophet Muhammad as a man who brought about change in religion. Consequently, these studies have led to disastrous results, namely that the impact of prophethood is not prominent, and what is presented is merely legend, used only for entertainment and suspense. They aim to enhance the enjoyment of learning about the life of a man who passed through history and is now gone.

The process of studying prophethood requires a methodology that regulates what is learned from the Prophet's biography. This methodology involves returning to its roots in the jurisprudence of the Quran and Sunnah. This is achieved by distinguishing between writings that explore his message and prophethood, and the reason for his mission, and writings that present his biography and life devoid of any description of his message and prophethood.

Orientalist writings on the Prophet’s biography and the individual of the Messenger are tainted with poison and deception. Their outward appearance is to praise the Messenger, may God bless him and grant him peace, and to emulate him, while the inner meaning of those writings is to attack revelation, the message, and prophethood. The prominent cover of Orientalism is to numb the Arab Muslim mind and fill it with deadly poison. Therefore, it is our duty to realize this and be wary of it.