The Sirah of the Prophet ﷺ: A Contemporary and Original Analysis

by Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi, Salah Sharief (Editor)

Following Dr Yasir Qadhi’s ground-breaking video lecture series on the sīrah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, this book is an equally impactful written adaptation. It provides a refreshing insight into the life of the Final Messenger and contextualises the sīrah in the modern-day context. It is not just a chronological account but also offers beneficial and actionable lessons, relating the biography of the Prophet ﷺ to our daily lives.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Biography, History, Nonfiction

512 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2023

About the author

Dr. Yasir Qadhi is a prolific author and Islamic teacher who has written several books about Islam. He is a popular speaker in many Muslim circles in the United States, Canada, England and Australia. His lectures at different locations can be found on YouTube. He is one of the few people who has combined an Islamic seminary training (from Islamic University of Madinah) with Western education (from universities of Houston and Yale).

Dr. Qadhi was born in Houston, Texas, to Pakistani parents, in 1975, went to high school in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, graduating valedictorian of his class, and completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston. After working for Dow Chemical for a short stint, he decided to pursue an education in Islamic studies, and left for the Islamic University of Madinah. There, he completed a second bachelor's degree, specializing in hadith studies, and then went on to complete an M.A. in Theology. Presently, he is in the final stages of completing his Ph.D in Religious Studies from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

He is the Dean of Academic Affairs and an Instructor in the AlMaghrib Institute. He appears on a number of Islamic satellite channels (Islam Channel in England; Al-Huda Channel in Egypt; Al-Fajr Channel in Egypt; and Peace TV in India, U.K and U.S), where he teaches theology, Seerah, Tajweed, and other topics. He gives regular sermons and lectures. He also blogs at MuslimMatters.org, where he is the group-blog's lead specialist.

Reviews

[Abu Kamdar · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Sirah books available in the English language, a must-read!

[Khairun Atika · Rating 5 out of 5]

"While we can never reach the heights of nobility set by the Prophet s.a.w., the fact that he is human serves as motivation to follow his teachings to the best of our ability." - The Sirah of the Prophet s.a.w: A Contemporary and Original Analysis by Dr Yasir Qadhi

I was looking forward to reading this, as I am a huge fan of Dr Yasir Qadhi's works. True enough, this comprehensive and analytical book on the seerah is a truly illuminating and inspiring read.

Divided into the Prophet's two distinct journeys - the Meccan era and the Medinan era - this book carefully, critically and succinctly illustrates every important aspect in detail - from explaining the context of the Jahiliyyah to the political climate of Arabia during the Prophet's time.

Dr Yasir Qadhi is very clear in his elaboration on every vital detail of the Prophet's life - from his childhood, to his Prophethood, while also providing insight of his household and relationships with his Companions based on various narrations and hadith.

In addition, the book mentions time and again about the revelations that the Prophet received, while also detailing the significance of the revelations with the different incidents in the seerah. There are many elaborate and clear explanations on events such as the Battle of Badr, the Conquest of Mecca and of course, The Greatest Calamity, which was truly a great tug on one's heartstrings.

I loved how the book shifts between detailed analysis and compelling storytelling. The narrative echoes a wide knowledge and extensive research into the seerah, as well as a comprehensible and comprehensive content that is sure to enlighten and illuminate anyone who wishes to learn about the beauty of Islam, and most definitely, the life of the beloved Prophet.

[Emon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography of the Prophet PBUH. Accessible for all ages, reads smoothly, doesn’t lack in necessary detail, an absolute pleasure to read. This is the first Seerah I have read in its completion and I’m so grateful that I did Alhamdulillah. The Prophet PBUH left a legacy unparalleled to all human beings in history, a mercy to mankind.

Anyone looking to read about the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad Peace and Blessings be upon him, look no further as this book has everything you need; an overview of pre Islamic Arabia, birth and childhood of the Prophet PBUH, loss of his parents, being under the care of his grandfather Abd Al-Muttalib and then Abu Talib, life as a shepherd and then merchant working for Khadija RA who would become his first and most beloved wife, first revelation where he’s visited by the Angel Jibril in cave Hira, early years of Prophethood, the migration of the Muslims to Abyssinia, the deaths of two central figures who were most beloved to him, the night journey and ascension, the hijrah, establishment of an Islamic state in Medina, the battle of Badr where Muslims were victorious despite them being vastly outnumbered 3:1, battle of Uhud, the exposing of hypocrites and the damage they caused, treaty of Hudaybiyyah (peace treaty with the Quraysh), the Conquest of Mecca, and ending with the passing of the beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam.

The book contains information of various events to do with, the Hypocrites/enemies of Islam, and Companions who were ardent followers most beloved to the Messenger PBUH, they sacrificed much of their livelihood for the sake of Allah.

[I A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful textual adaptation of the Seerah lectures given by Sh. Yasir Qadhi on YouTube. So much information from the lectures is presented here and it makes for a beautiful reading of the life of our Prophet Muhammad (S). A must-have and must-read for every Muslim!

[Raudah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have book on your bookshelf. I will give it 6 stars out of 5.
I looked forward to reading the book every time. Comprehensive in many aspects. It is arranged chronologically.

Some of the things you will learn about in this books.

1) How rich in language , Arabia was. Poetry was recited on the streets. It was used to incite, comfort and express. The language of everyday life is also very poetic and strong.
2) The context behind ayats and hadith. I have read some of the ayats and the translation and it was interesting to read about what are the events surrounding it.
3) Prophet's s.a.w way of Dakwah. No shortcuts, a lot of patience , a lot of hardships.
4) The Prophet's s.a.w character, his lifestyle.
5) The companions, predominantly Abu Bakar r.a and Umar r.a but many other companions are mentioned as well.
6) The different wars they fought , what caused them and how the muslims behaved during war.
7) For those performing umrah, will love to read the history behind Mecca and Madinah.

and many more...

[Zareen_k · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK GAVE ME GOOSEBUMPS. I LAUGHED I CRIED. I JUMPED OUT OF MY SEAT AT CERTAIN POINTS.

BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND EDITED.

I CAN SEE HOW MUCH WORK HAS GONE INTO THIS.

ITS MADE ME LOVE AND BECOME CLOSER TO MY BELOVED PROPHET SAW.

SO THANK YOU.

[Mirza Baig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about the Best of Creation

There's a clear visible difference when a Muslim who loves Rasoolullah (SAS) writes about him. May Allah bless Shaikh Yasir Qadhi, the author for this exceptional work which apart from being a very enjoyable read, is also written like a reference book. It's a great and very valuable source of references about the life of the Messenger of Allah (SAS). May Allah reward the author and accept his work and include him among the companions of Rasoolullah (SAS) on the Day when we will all meet Allah.

[Arisha (Free Palestine 🇵🇸) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good subhanallah! This work had so much information and there’s so much about Islam and life of the prophet that I didn’t know before. However, there was so much information that was often overwhelming and a lot of interesting topics were not very well covered, most likely due to the already long length of the book. Another issue I had was that the writing style was not very easy to understand. It’s similar to textbook style writing, it’s understandable but it takes effort. It also doesn’t explain a lot of topics very well, like it had me thinking poetry was haram for a decent amount of time (it’s not) and despite all evidence indicating otherwise, it stated that Aisha ra was 6 when she married the prophet saw. It’s a good resources, but it shouldn’t be the only book on Islam you choose to read.

[Orangummy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would've gladly read this if it were even 5x longer. Actually I wish it was 5x longer!! This book did so much to humanise the Prophet SAW and the Companions, like every other page I was thinking... "wow these were real human beings with real human emotions". Anyways I learnt a lot, highly recommend, no notes. It did a really good job at giving a reasonably thorough explanation of every major event, with really valuable (and occasionally entertaining) tid-bits sprinkled in.

[Amina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great companion or stand-alone to the series of lectures (on YouTube) by Sh. Dr. Yasir Qadhi. The seerah should be mandatory learning for every Muslim... We are incomplete without it, I truly believe that. So much of what our cultures teach us is completely false and diametrically opposite to the character/life of the Prophet (saww). Alhumdulillah, for Allah's blessing on me, to have access to so much knowledge. May He guide me, may He allow me to teach my future generations, may Allah keep me & all my future generations on His path, ameen.

[Fozia Begum · Rating 5 out of 5]

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

O Allah, bestow Your favor on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad as You have bestowed Your favor on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You have blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.



I recently read The Sirah of the Prophet ﷺ: A Contemporary and Original Analysis by Dr. Yasir Qadhi, and I loved every bit of it. Having read a few books on the Sirah before, I was overjoyed when this book was published, especially since it was authored by one of my favorite scholars and narrators.

While reading, however, I realized there were several aspects I had hoped to find but didn’t. I initially thought this book would be very comprehensive, covering every detail of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ life. Yet, I found it to be more of a brief biography rather than the exhaustive account I was yearning for. Perhaps it’s just my personal expectation, but I long for a book that meticulously covers every part of the Prophet’s life—his daily routines, his sayings, his actions, the environments he lived in, the houses in Makkah and Medina, and every detail that could immerse me further into his life.

Each time I learn something new about the Prophet ﷺ, it brings me immense happiness. That’s why, when I saw this book, I had high hopes it would provide fresh insights and details I hadn’t encountered before. While the book is beautifully written and engaging, I feel it lacks the depth and detail I was looking for. Additionally, I wish the book included more visual aids—maps, diagrams, and images to bring the narrative to life.

Dr. Yasir Qadhi is an incredible scholar with vast knowledge, and I sincerely hope that someday he publishes a comprehensive work about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—one filled with detailed accounts, visuals, and every piece of information he can share.

Nevertheless, I still deeply appreciated this book because, after all, it’s about our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Despite its brevity, it’s a treasure for anyone seeking to connect with his blessed life.

[Jalaluddin Abdullah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"While we can never reach the heights of nobility set by the Prophet S.A.W., the fact that he is human serves as motivation to follow his teachings to the best of our ability." - The Sirah of the Prophet S.A.W.: A Contemporary and Original Analysis by Dr Yasir Qadhi

This comprehensive and analytical book on the sirah is illuminating and inspiring.

Divided into the Prophet's two distinct time frames - the Meccan era and the Medinan era - this book carefully, critically, and succinctly illustrates every important aspect in detail - from explaining the context of the Jahiliyyah to the political climate of Arabia during the Prophet's time.

Dr Yasir Qadhi elaborates on every vital detail of the Prophet's life - from his childhood to his Prophethood- while also providing insight into his household and relationships with his Companions based on various narrations and hadith. The work is very well-researched with references to numerous sources. The author has maintained a high level of critical examination of his resources.

In addition, the book mentions the revelations that the Prophet received, while also detailing the significance of the revelations with the different incidents in the sirah. There are many elaborate and clear explanations of events such as the Battle of Badr, the Conquest of Mecca, and The Greatest Calamity, which was truly a great tug on one's heartstrings.

I loved how the book shifts between detailed analysis and compelling storytelling. The narrative echoes a wide knowledge and extensive research into the sirah, as well as comprehensible and comprehensive content that is sure to enlighten and illuminate anyone who wishes to learn about the beauty of Islam, and most definitely, the life of the beloved Prophet.

This book flowed beautifully. The narrative style is excellent. It is an essential text for a Muslim household or for anyone who wants to know about the beauty of the life of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. from a believer's point of view. I would strongly encourage non-Muslims to read this book to understand Islam better. Perchance Allah S.W.T. mercifully converts him or her.

[Marwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would definitely recommend this read. However, it is important to have a good picture about the style it is written in.

This book is an academic book I would say, and it is thoroughly researched and referenced. (Although I did spot an error in the Quranic referencing and contacted the editor who assured me that this would be corrected in the next edition.)

There are details in there that are for a particular audience. There are also many instances balancing the sources, and addressing particular matters between scholars.

I delayed reading the final chapter as I knew I’d get emotional about with the ‘Greatest Calamity’ (i.e. the death of the Prophet PBUH). However, I was slightly disappointed at some of the missing details from the story, which I had visited many times in other books and lectures on the Prophet’s story. The chapter quickly moved onto the appointment of Abu Bakr, May Allah SWT be pleased with him.

Would I recommend this book to someone reading the seerah for the first time? I'm not entirely sure. It would depend on the person really. How academically inclined they are, and how they’d appreciate the selective details included in the book. There are so many other more accessible books on the Seerah if you’re learning it for the first time. Abu Alhasaan Ali Nadwi did a great job; so has Hesham Al-Awadi, although for a younger audience. ‘The Sealed Nectar’ is an obvious go-to as well, and is an award-winning piece. The author himself is one of Dr Yasir Qadhi’s teachers.

I must say that if I was to advise someone wanting to delve into the Seerah in written form, to realise that this book is what it says on the cover: A Contemporary and Original Analysis.

Dr Yasir Qadhi has clearly done a great job. May Allah SWT accept all his immense efforts and pure intentions from this piece of work. Ameen

Finally, it is obvious to state ‘The Sirah’ is the story of the greatest man who ever walked this Earth, explained by my 5-star rating. As a student of the Quran it definitely helps to be rereading this story to help better understand our faith and to put everything into perspective.

[Miroku Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to highly recommend this book on Sirah, especially for converts who are not yet fluent in Arabic. I just finished Dr. Joel Hayward's "The Warrior Prophet: Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ and War" earlier this week, and following it up directly with Dr. Qadhi's book has been an extremely enjoyable experience. I intend to finish Mohiuddin's "Revelation: The Story of Muhammad" صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ (which is more of textbook rather than narrative breakdown of the Sirah, and very useful in that way) in the next week or two. I have read the classic Martin Lings' "Muhammad" صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ at least five times since converting in 1993, and we are reading that and the essential (I would argue the most essential book on Sirah translated into English) Shifaa' of Qadi Iyadh ("Muhammad, Messenger of Allah صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ : Ash-shifa of Qadi 'Iyad" translated by Aisha Bewley) as a group in weekly gatherings. There are more and more resources in Sirah. When I was a new Muslim in the '90's, we were happy when "The Sealed Nectar" was translated (very poorly) into English (I love the book in many ways, but they needed a native speaker for a translator and a good editor). Now, there is so much more for us to read.

This book flowed beautifully. The narrative style is excellent. It is an essential text for a Muslim household or for anyone who wants to know about the beauty of the life of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ from a believer's point-of-view.

The book had me in tears at many points, in such a good way. It is a poignant reminder of what our Islam should be, for we have in our Prophet the Perfect Exemplar. صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ

[Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really can’t understand how Yasir Qadhi keeps all these names and dates and titles and locations straight in his mind. Would that I had such good memory. Anyway, this book is incredibly comprehensive, detailed, with explanations about what happened, why it happened, and what was revealed when/why/how.

It followed the Prophet (pbuh)’s life from birth to death, covering each and every aspect, and it was all fascinating. I had already listened to the lecture series by Qadhi, so I’d heard the stories already, but they were no less impactful in print.

In fact, perhaps they were more impactful - because they were not bogged down by Qadhi’s thousand and one tangents. That was definitely an improvement. Not that his tangents weren’t interesting but, had they been included, this book would surely be at least double its size.

While this biography can be read anywhere and at any time, there was a certain magic in reading it while in the actual locations where it all happened. I’d read a thing, then look up and be in the same place that the Prophet and his companions were. Um, can it be any cooler? Or is the word ‘inspirational’? Both, yes. I highly recommend that experience.

I am absolutely glad I read this, after listening to the lecture series, and I will certainly be revisiting it over and over. The Prophet’s life truly was miraculous and he really is the best of us.

[Shanaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

pernah nyoba baca sirah nabawiyah, tapi aku stop karena bahasanya terlalu baku, kaku, dan berat bagiku. isinya lengkap banget sehingga rasanya aku ga bisa mencerna itu secara mandiri. harus butuh guru.

jadi aku nyari-nyarilah catatan sirah yang lebih simpel, ringan, dan bahasanya lebih mudah dicerna. kalo istilah anak sekarang, bahasa bayi. dan ya, tulisan dr. yasir qadhi inilah solusinya.

sejarah rasulullah ditulis secara kronologis, mulai dari asal muasal bangsa arab hingga pengangkatan khalifah abu bakar ra sebagai khalifah menggantikan nabi muhammad dalam menyebar risalah islam.

buku 600 halaman ini memang tak cukup untuk menggali keseluruhan sirah secara lengkap, tapi cukup untuk menapaktilasi jejak baginda nabi dan sahabat: bagaimana nabi berdakwah, bagaimana nabi berpolitik, bagaimana kehidupan sehari-hari nabi, dan sebagainya.

menurut aku buku ini cocok banget buat 'muslim umum' karena uraiannya mudah dimengerti. sedangkan untuk muslim yang menempuh pendidikan agama secara khusus, lebih bagus membaca sirah nabiyah yang lebih lengkap.

[Fatema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a well written historical account of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. The narrations in the book made me realize that the Messenger PBUH represents the trials, struggles, and success of a man and an Ummah (the community). You relate to him on an individual level and realize that what he (PBUH) experienced when spreading his message of peace and submission to One God is similar to that Muslims face today. Reading the Quran without knowing the Prophet (PBUH) is like reading a book without being fluent in the language it’s written in. Whether you are a believer or non-believer in the message he (PBUH) brought, his story will speak to you on what it means to be human, spiritual, tested, and a just leader.

[Muhammad Edwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tawakal bukanlah keyakinan buta kepada Allah tanpa ada rencana, tetapi merencanakan sebaik mungkin dan menyerahkan hasilnya kepada Allah dengan penuh keyakinan."

"Sebagian dari para nabi itu meminta sesuatu dari dunia ini, sebagian lagi meminta azab bagi kaumnya, tetapi bagiku, aku menyimpan permintaan itu antara aku dan Tuhanku. Itu akan menjadi syafaatku bagi umatku pada Hari Pengadilan."

Salah satu Sirah nabi yang paling lengkap dan cukup mudah untuk dipahami. Selalu ada moment merinding dan haru.

[Huzaifa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, for those interested in the Sirah (which all Muslims should be) but also those starting out their journey to learn who our Prophet SAW was. I read it a few times, this is an absolute essential book to have.

All Muslims need to know our Prophet SAW as we will be asked about him our grave as one of the three questions and how can you be Muslim without knowing Him SAW.

Fantastic book.

[Dessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many biographies of the Prophet PBUH, but none compare to this. It is beautifully written in details, with chronological order and very comprehensive. Despite full of details and facts, this book is far from boring, thanks to its compelling storytelling. While reading this book, I smiled, I cried, and I couldn’t help but miss him so much. Following the Prophet’s story, I felt his suffering during difficult times, his joy during moments of glory, and his sadness on his last day.

[Hafizah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enriching

I started reading this book to learn more about Prophet Muhammad SAW's life and his legacy. I can feel the author's love for the Prophet SAW in the way the book is written. All the chapters and events were divided well and mostly easy to understand. Through this book I am motivated to pick up more to read and learn about Islam.

[Yumna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was long but definitely comprehensive. It was equal parts spiritual and informative. In terms of ease of read, this is a good place to begin for Sirah literature (I cannot speak in regards to content etc)

[Asib kaisar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and exceptional! This is an academic intermediate level seerah.
He discussed every event in detail with different perspectives found in the history books. One of the important things that he covered the controversial events with an academic viewpoint and explained them very well.

[Zahedul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant coverage of our prophet's life, comparable to Martin Ling's biography.

[Ihussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant analysis of The Seerah of The Blessed Prophet Muhammad. Well detailed research into The Blessed life and all major events are thoroughly covered.
A must read.

[Amila · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤍

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very comprehensive and easy to understand book of Seerah.

[Yusra Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good Sirah book for Muslim and non Muslim readers.

[Hanisah Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assalamualaika ya Rasulullah.
To love your prophet is to learn about his life. ❤️

[Nurul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of explanation. Touched my heart. It made me miss our Prophet so much. May Allah grant all of us, his ummah to meet him in Jannahtul Firdaus. Aamin Inshaa Allah