Discussions of the Sīrah of the Prophet ﷺ and the Study of Religions in the Sermons of Madras: An analytical Study

Abstract

This study critically explores the intersection of Sīrah studies and the comparative study of religions as reflected in the traditional and contemporary sermons delivered in Madraas (India). Drawing upon a diverse corpus of khutabat (sermons), this analytical research highlights how the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is presented not only as a model of moral and spiritual excellence but also as a framework for engaging with other faiths in multi-religious societies. The research investigates how preachers interpret episodes from the Sīrah in light of interreligious themes—such as tolerance, dialogue, prophetic engagement with non-Muslims, and responses to theological challenges. By examining both classical and reformist discourse within madrasah sermons, the study identifies evolving approaches to religious pluralism and comparative theology. This work contributes to the broader fields of Sīrah literature, Islamic education, and the sociology of religion by illustrating how madāris function as critical spaces for shaping Muslim perceptions of religious others through the lens of the Prophet’s ﷺ biography.