Paradigm Shift in Sīrah Writing by Orientalists, From Confrontation to Reconciliation
Keywords:
Paradigm Shift, orientalists, reconciliation, Sīrah writing, the Prophet of Islam and the Holy Qur’ānAbstract
The aim with this paper is to illuminate the significance of Sīrah writing among Western scholars and investigate the effects of paradigm shift in their writings from confrontation to reconciliation. The prior work on Sīrah writing by hostile Orientalists is manifested to certify the confrontation of orientalists for Islam in general and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and greetings be upon him) in particular. The study is motivated by two research questions: The work and motives of Orientalists’ hostility while writing on Sīrah and is any change of paradigm regarding Sīrah writing among 20th century Orientalists from confrontation to reconciliation. The methodology of study is comparative and analytical in which five orientalists from 20th century and their work will be comparatively analysed with previous orientalist’s work. The Reconciliation in Sīrah writing from hostilities will be observed. This study will advance understanding about the role of Orientalists work on Sīrah and its impacts on East and West.
