Seerah

The biography of a person is called Seerah and the word actually means ‘to travel’. The biography of a person is called Seerah because when we read it, we are essentially traveling the person’s journey. So, when we study the life and times of the Prophet ﷺ, it is as if we are following in his footsteps and being a part of his journey.

Initially,  this word was used for the biography of any person but after the Prophet ﷺ, Muslim scholars have used this word exclusively for the best human being.

Scholars now say Seerah only when they mean to address the biography of the life and times of the Prophet ﷺ. Every Muslim is encouraged to study Seerah.

This subject covers his day to day life, interactions with Companions and family, his role as a leader, as well as his characteristics and mannerisms. The more people learn about the life of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, the more they learn about his devotion to his Lord and his concern for all of humankind. We get to know the different facets of the Seerah from the companions of the Prophet ﷺ or also called Sahabas.

Many verses and narrations that come in the Quran and Hadith require a bit more context to fully understand the situation. Knowledge of the life of the Prophet ﷺ is mandatory in these moments.