Orientalist Approaches to the Study of the Prophet Muhammad’s Personality (Peace Be Upon Him): An Analytical and Applied Study

Abstract

Abstract:

This study aims to identify and classify the various approaches adopted by Orientalists in their study of the personality of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). The research follows both inductive and analytical methodologies. It comprises an introduction, a preface, three main chapters, a conclusion, recommendations, and a bibliography.

The introduction outlines the significance of the topic, the reasons for its selection, the research problem, objectives, prior studies, scope, methodology, procedures, and overall structure. The preface defines key terms—approach, Orientalism, and personality—linguistically and according to scholarly definitions.

The main body of the study analyzes the range of Orientalist perspectives on the Prophet’s personality, beginning with those that adopt a positive outlook, followed by those that present critical or negative portrayals, and concluding with an examination of writings that reveal contradictions or inconsistencies in their assessments.

The study concludes by recommending the development of a comprehensive scientific encyclopedia dedicated to the Prophet’s biography in general, and his personality in particular, based on the full spectrum of Orientalist writings, accompanied by critical evaluations of their perspectives