The Qur’ānic Description of the Sīrah of the Messenger ﷺ: A Research-Based Study in the Light of the Concepts of Kawthar al-Khayrāt and Burhān al-Ṭayyib.

Abstract

This research critically analyzes two significant Urdu works on the Sīrah of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺKauthar al-Khayrāt li-Sayyid al-Sādāt and Burhān al-Ṭayyib.Both books explore the personality of the Prophet ﷺ through Qur’ānic discourse, theological reasoning and evidential demonstration of Prophethood, yet each adopts a distinct methodological approach.Kauthar al-Khayrāt is primarily a thematic exegesis of Sūrah al-Kawthar wherein the author presents the concept of al-Kawthar as an all-encompassing symbol of divine abundance. The study highlights multiple interpretations of Kawthar, including the heavenly river, continuity of Prophetic lineage, the Muslim Ummah, the Qur’ān, Islam as a comprehensive religion, Prophetic knowledge, moral excellence, miracles, Maqām Maḥmūd and Shafā‘ah al-‘Uẓmā. The book also elaborates on the ten divine wisdoms embedded in the opening verse, the spiritual significance of prayer and sacrifice and the divine refutation of hostility toward the Prophet ﷺ, firmly grounding Sunni theological positions.On the other hand, Burhān al-Ṭayyib presents the Prophet ﷺ as a living and rational proof (burhān) of his own Prophethood, based on Qur’ānic evidence from Sūrah al-Nisāʾ. The author systematically discusses evidence such as pre-Prophetic signs, moral integrity, the luminous countenance, the Seal of Prophethood, practical and knowledge-based miracles, Qur’ānic revelation, political wisdom, ethical perfection and the universality of the Prophetic model. Special emphasis is placed on scientific, historical and experiential dimensions of miracles.The article concludes that both works successfully affirm the finality, universality and perfection of the Prophethood of Muḥammad ﷺ, presenting him as a comprehensive divine proof whose life, character, and message continue to guide humanity intellectually, morally and spiritually.