Between Prophetic History and Legal Normativity: Deriving Shariʿa Rulings from the Sira through Usul al-Fiqh

Abstract

Islamic literature has always relied heavily on the biography (Sira) of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Every facet of his fortunate life has been meticulously documented by both early and later biographers, creating a beautiful body of classical literature. Different methods, styles, and techniques have been used in this setting. One of the most popular of them, referred to in contemporary terms as Fiqh al-Sirah, draws legal teachings and consequences from events in the Prophet's life. Notable scholars including Ibn Kathir (d. 774 AH), al-Maqrizi (d. 845 AH), al-Qastallani (d. 923 AH), al-Shami (d. 942 AH), al-Halabi (d. 1044 AH), and al-Zurqani (d. 1122 AH) are among those whose writings demonstrate this characteristic. Both the Makkan and Madinan periods of the Prophet's life are covered by the legal conclusions drawn by these scholars, which cover the religious, social, political, and economic facets of a Muslim's behaviour. Furthermore, in their deliberate application of Usul al-Hadith and Usul al-Fiqh, these biographers have drawn conclusions from the Sira accounts. The purpose of this study is to examine the approach taken in this respect by classical and subsequent Sira writers.