Muhammad (sas) is revered by over a billion Muslims around the globe as the pinnacle of mankind. However, the picture that emerges in the minds of the people of the West is quite different. Muslims consider him the greatest person who ever lived on the face of earth, a mercy for the mankind, and the very reason for the creation of the earth and the heavens. However, there is very little known in the West about Islam or the life of Muhammad (sas), except what is depicted by the media, generally in the aftermath of terrorist activities by Muslim extremists. Very often, Islam is considered an oriental religion in direct conflict with Western values and traditions. It is often perceived as an intolerant religion that infringes upon free speech and the rights of women.
Who was Muhammad (sas)? What were his teachings? Was his life marred with violence? Does the Qur’an teach the killing of infidels? Who is Allah, the God of Islam? These are some of the basic questions that intrigue the people in the West.
It is imperative for seekers of truth to independently research these questions to have a more accurate perspective about the fastest growing religion in the world. This book presents a chronological account of the events of the life of Muhammad (sas) as seen by a Muslim and answers some of the above questions. Though, this book was not authored by an independent researcher, it provides a treasure of information and references from the original sources, including the Qur’an and Ahadith (sayings of Muhammad (sas)). It is an easy read and a must have for the Muslim youths, as well as for those that seek the truth about Islam.The first edition of Sirat Sayyidul-Anbiya’ (Chief of the Prophets) (Urdu) was published in 1939 at the occasion of the Jubilee celebrations of the Khilafat of Khalifatul-Masih II (ra).
The author, Sheikh ‘Abdul-Qadir [formerly Saudagarmal] (1909–1966) converted to Islam from Hinduism at a very young age after meeting some saintly Muslim figures in Qadian, India, the birthplace of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. A brief note about the life of the author written by Maulana Abul-‘Ata’ Jalandhari, originally published at the end of Hayat-e-Tayyibah (Life of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)), has been added towards the end of this book.
Sheikh ‘Abdul-Qadir served the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as missionary in Karachi, Faisalabad (Lyallpur), Sheikhupura, Sargodha, and Lahore from 1934 to 1966. For a long time, he also served as Director Publications in the Office of Propagation. In addition to Sirat Sayyidul-Anbiya’, the other books authored by Sheikh ‘Abdul-Qadir include Hayat-e-Tayyibah (Life of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)), Hayat-e-Nur (Life of Maulana Hakim Noor-ud-Deen, Khalifatul-Masih I (ra)), Hayat-e-Bashir (Life of Mirza Bashir Ahmad M.A. (ra)), and Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat Lahore (History of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Lahore).
Belal Khalid, grandson of Sheikh ‘Abdul-Qadir, translated Sirat Sayyidul-Anbiya’ into English. He was assisted by Tariq Sharif, Mahmood Hanif, Hafiz Muzaffar Ahmad, his team in Rabwah, Syed Sajid Ahmad and Naser-ud-Din Shams. May Allah the Almighty grant the best of rewards and grant abundant blessings, both in this world and in the Hereafter, to all those who have assisted in one way or another in the preparation and publication of this translation.
Everyone should not only study this fascinating book but publicize it abundantly and present it as a gift to friends and dear ones so that the beauties of the exemplary character of the Holy Prophet (sas) are exposed to the world.
Humbly,
al-Haj Munir-ud-Din Shams
Additional Wakilut-Tasnif
December 2018