‘Seerat in Quran’ Launched in Hyderabad Ahead of Ramzan

Hyderabad

Just ahead of the onset of the holy month of Ramzan, the English translation of Seerat in Quran, a biography of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), was released here on Sunday evening. The timing of the launch couldn’t have been more appropriate as it coincides with the month of fasting in which the Quran was revealed.

Originally authored in Urdu by the Muscat-based scholar, Sahibzada Mahmood, Seerat in Quran has been translated into English by senior journalist J.S. Ifthekhar. The book offers a distinctive approach to the Prophet’s biography by presenting his life directly through Quranic verses, blending Seerah with Quranic tafseer in a manner that sets it apart from conventional works on the subject.

The first volume of the book focuses on the Makkan phase of the Prophet’s life, chronicling the trials, hardships and steadfast perseverance he endured, along with the unwavering commitment of his companions in the face of intense opposition. Rather than relying solely on historical narration, the work draws extensively from the Quran to trace the moral, spiritual and ethical foundations laid during this formative period.

The book was released at a well-attended programme organised under the aegis of the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Oriental Research Institute at the Mediaplus auditorium. A distinguished gathering of scholars, academicians and intellectuals graced the occasion.

Speaking at the event, former Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University, Prof. Sulaiman Siddiqui, described the Makkan phase of the Prophet’s life as the most testing and challenging period of his mission. He noted that this era was devoted primarily to strengthening the foundations of faith among the early Muslims.

“Out of the 114 chapters of the Quran, nearly 90 were revealed during the Makkan period,” Prof. Siddiqui said. “These chapters dealt extensively with core themes such as the oneness of God (Tawhid), the attributes of Allah (Sifat-e-Bari Ta‘ala), Prophethood (Risalat) and the Hereafter (Akhirat). This phase was crucial in grounding believers in faith before the social and legal framework of Islam took shape.”

He pointed out that the book also recounts the lives of earlier Prophets, adding that these narratives were not mere stories. “They offer profound moral and ethical lessons for humanity,” he said, observing that the enduring miracle of the Quran lay in its ability to reveal new meanings and insights until the end of time.

Prof. Siddiqui noted that Seerat in Quran successfully brings together all these dimensions through Quranic verses and praised J.S. Ifthekhar for translating the work into “lucid and accessible language that even a common reader can easily understand.”

Prof. Syed Waheedullah Quadri Multani said the life of the Prophet was the finest model for humanity, described in the Quran as al-uswah al-hasanah. For Muslims, he said, the study of Seerah was not limited to academic interest but constituted a religious and moral necessity.

“The Quranic message becomes truly accessible through the Sunnah of the Prophet. His life represents the practical interpretation of divine guidance”, Prof. Multanai remarked.

He said the English translation of the book would help it reach a much wider audience, extending the Quranic message and Prophetic guidance beyond a single linguistic or cultural community to humanity at large. The Prophet’s life, he added, encompassed the full spectrum of human experience — from family relations and economic ethics to conflict resolution, patience, perseverance and hope – making it an enduring source of guidance for all times.

Highlighting the challenges involved in translating Seerah literature, Prof. Multani said such work demanded not only linguistic proficiency but also a deep understanding of Quranic discourse and Prophetic history. “Mr. Ifthekhar deserves commendation for rendering this scholarly work into simple, readable English while preserving its academic depth and integrity,” he said.

Presiding over the programme, former Director General of Police, Syed Anwarul Huda, emphasised the need for Muslims to study, understand and implement both the Quran and the biography of the Messenger of Allah in their daily lives. He expressed concern that many Muslims failed to comprehend the Quran, with the result that its teachings were not reflected in their conduct.

He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation on the internet. “A great deal of incorrect and misleading material about the Quran is circulating online,” he said, urging people to exercise discernment and rely on authentic sources while seeking religious knowledge.

Dr. Syed Islamuddin Mujahid, the programme convenor, quoted Quranic verses to explain that the ultimate sign of love for Allah was to follow the Prophet, which in turn leads to Allah’s love and forgiveness. He highlighted two supreme qualities of the Prophet – pardon and forgiveness – and said these virtues should be consciously adopted in personal and social life.

Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan, Khwaja Moizuddin and Syed Fazil Husain Parvez, Editor, Gawah, also addressed the gathering, sharing their reflections on the relevance of the Prophet’s life in contemporary times. Sahibzada Meer Ahmed Ali Khan proposed a vote of thanks, bringing the programme to a close.