A Critical Re-examination of Orientalist Narratives Regarding the *Sīrah* of the Prophet of Islam : A Critique of Orientalists' Theoretical and Methodological Foundations in Analyzing Relations with the Banū Qurayẓah Jews

Sadeghi, Abolfazl; Nagheb, Mohammad

doi:10.22034/sdqr.2026.544263.1179

A Critical Re-examination of Orientalist Narratives Regarding the Sīrah of the Prophet of Islam : A Critique of Orientalists' Theoretical and Methodological Foundations in Analyzing Relations with the Banū Qurayẓah Jews

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abolfazl Sadeghi ¹

mohammad nagheb ²

¹ PhD in Comparative Interpretation, Qom Faculty of Quranic Sciences, Qom ,Iran.

² a

10.22034/sdqr.2026.544263.1179

Abstract

Given the expansion of Islamic studies within Orientalist circles, a critical re-examination of Orientalist views and a reasoned rebuttal of their objections constitute an undeniable necessity. The present study examines and critiques the perspectives of Orientalists such as Reuven Firestone, William Muir, Israel Wolfenson, Karen Armstrong, and Jacob Lassner. Drawing upon historical accounts of the Banu Qurayza incident and citing religious texts, these scholars have sought to portray the Prophet of Islam as a figure characterized by violence and authoritarianism.Employing a library-based research method and critical analysis, the present study examines these allegations and—drawing upon revelatory teachings and historical evidence—provides a precise elucidation of the Prophetic Sirah and biography. The findings indicate that the claims in question lack scholarly substantiation and contradict definitive evidence found in religious and historical texts; indeed, there is no indication of tyranny or oppression in the conduct of the Holy Prophet toward the Jews of Banu Qurayza.

Keywords

Authoritarianism

Violence

Banu Qurayzah Jews

Prophet of Islam

OrientalistsBanu Qurayza

Subjects