# Seerat Khatam al-Anbiya

Seerat Khatam al-Anbiya (Urdu: سیرت خاتم الانبیاء) is a prophetic biography authored by Shafi Usmani in Urdu, initially published in 1925. Originally titled Awjaz al-Sir Khair al-Bashar, denoting a concise biography due to its thematic focus, the name failed to engage a broad audience. Consequently, in its second edition, the current title was replaced. The book is concise yet comprehensive, drawing from authentic narrations. It has been included in the curriculum of numerous religious institutions in Pakistan and India, including Darul Uloom Deoband, Mazahir Uloom, and Madrasa Shahi. The foreword of the book is written by Asghar Hussain Deobandi.

## Background

Shafi Usmani received requests from friends to compose a prophetic biography for Muslims. In response, he accepted the task, exercising caution and relying on authentic narrations. He compiled a concise yet comprehensive biography in simple language, addressing diverse issues such as polygyny, jihad, the Isra' and Mi'raj incident, and presenting reasoned answers to objections raised by opponents. Completed in 1925, the book emphasizes presenting the entire prophetic biography in accordance with credible historical and Hadith books. It covers events from the Prophet's birth to demise, simplifying important topics concisely. Within a year of its publication, it became part of the curriculum in over a hundred schools. Ashraf Ali Thanwi was the first to include it in his seminary curriculum, and even today, it remains in the curriculum of Darul Uloom Deoband. The book's writing style follows the pattern of academic literature. In the conclusion, the author added forty hadiths with translations under the title Jawame' Al-Kalim.

## Methodology

Asad Ullah from Federal Urdu University noted that the author maintained a balance between comprehensiveness and brevity in this book. Within approximately a hundred pages, he covered significant events, battles, travels, miracles, and the morals and qualities of the Prophet from birth to demise. Additionally, the author presented convincing responses to objections and doubts raised by opponents of Islam. The book uses simple, fluent, and commonly understood language, drawing from Traditional and Modern Sources of sīrah, such as Kutub al-Sittah, Mishkat al-Masabih, Kanz al-Ummal, Al-Khasa'is al-Kubra, Siraat-e Ibn Hisham, Al-Isabah fi tamyiz al Sahabah, Fath al-Bari, Al-Shifa with Sharh al-Shifa, Al-Muwahib al-Ladunniyyah, Sirat al-Halbiya, Zad al-Ma'ad, Tareekh Ibn Asakir and Nashr al-Tib fi Zikr al-Nabi al-Habib.

## Reception

It has received acclaim from scholars of diverse backgrounds. Amader Shomoy regards it as the best resource for one-sitting reading. Ibrat Jahan, associated with Aligarh Muslim University, notes its enduring popularity through multiple reprints. Taqi Usmani emphasizes its universal appeal, receiving praise across social classes. Ashraf Ali Thanwi commends its brevity and comprehensive coverage, while Anwar Shah Kashmiri recommends it for a concise yet authentic account. Kehkashan Khanam from Aligarh Muslim University sees practical benefit for those preferring straightforward summaries, and Ishtiaque Ahmad from Maulana Azad National Urdu University praises its simplicity in summarizing topics. Mohammad Talib Khan from Aligarh Muslim University underscores its institutional recognition, included in curricula of institutions like Darul Uloom Deoband.