NEW HISTORICAL CRITIQUE OF MOHAMMAD ASAD’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY THE ROAD TO MAKKAH

Abstract

This research aims to critically examine Muhammad Asad's autobiography The Road to Mecca, by using new historicism as a primary methodology. This research work explores the text through this critical framework to uncover the socio-cultural factors that shape its meaning. This study examines the writer’s personal experiences, ideology and cultural identity which influence the representation of ancient and cultural contexts in the text under study. The impact of socio- political conditions are eminent in the text, it is clear that his writing was affected by some certain socio-political factors. The text is the depiction of Europe in the post-World War 1 scenario, which reflected a sense of disillusionment and fragmentation. Asad’s conversion to Islam can be seen as a response to this disillusionment. The text is analyzed under the lens of New Historicism specifically the socio-cultural and historical perspectives presented in this text.