Seerat Writing in the West: An Analytical Study of Karen Armstrong’s Contributions

Abstract

The life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has been a subject of growing interest among Western scholars, particularly in recent decades. Seerat writing, traditionally rooted in Islamic historiography, has found new expressions in Western academic and literary circles. Among the notable contributors, Karen Armstrong emerges as a leading voice whose works—such as Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time and Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet—have received global recognition. Armstrong’s portrayal of the Prophet is markedly empathetic, aiming to challenge prevalent stereotypes in the West and foster interfaith understanding. Her approach emphasizes historical contextualization, socio-political dynamics, and comparative religious studies. This paper critically examines Armstrong’s objectives, interpretive frameworks, and the thematic structure of her Seerat writings. While she has contributed positively by humanizing the image of the Prophet in Western discourse, her works also draw criticism for methodological limitations, selective narration, and occasional historical ambiguities. The study places Armstrong’s writings within the broader scope of Western biographical literature on the Prophet and evaluates how her narrative contrasts with traditional Islamic Seerah. By analyzing both the strengths and shortcomings of Armstrong’s scholarship, this paper aims to offer a balanced academic perspective on her role in shaping the Western understanding of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The research concludes with reflections on the future of Seerat writing in the West and the importance of critical engagement with non-Muslim perspectives for constructive dialogue.