In the space of a decade, the Indonesian book world has been filled with books about Prophetic Sirah. The story of the birth, life, journey and struggle of the Prophet Muhammad SAW has become a popular reading material for book lovers and connoisseurs.
The book Path of the Prophet: Revealing the Veil of the Golden Age, published by Pustaka Firdaus, is a 'mini' The Prophet's Sirah because it contains reflections on the signs of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) until the end and bitterness of his struggle to spread Islam as a solid and noble entity of faith.
Written in a literary style and language that is easy to understand by several authors who are experts in their fields. For example, M. Fethullah Gulen, Dr. Rasyid Haylamaz (author of the book Sun of the Prophet's Love), The Prophet's Path Team, especially Prof. Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi (Chancellor of UNIDA Gontor) who is also the author who was selected to be Islamic Book Figures at the 2023 Islamic Book Fair (IBF) Award. And several other famous writers.
In general, this book is divided into four chapters. First; The Period Before the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Second; The Prophetic Message. As for the chapter third; Reflections on the Path of the Prophet. and the fourth summarized in the discussion of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Each chapter is divided into subchapters, reflected in the title of the article, which discusses the respective theme.
For lovers of Sîrah Nabawiyah (the history of the Prophet Muhammad SAW), this book is a good introduction to reading sirah books, especially sirah written by contemporary scholars such as As-Sîrah an-Nabawiyah by Sheikh Abul Hasan Al-Hasani an-Nadwi.
Hayat Muhammad the work of Muhammad Husain Haekal, or the book by Dr. Said Ramadhan al-Buthy, Fiqh as-Sirah an-Nabawiyah Ma'a Mûjaz Litarîkh al-Khilâfah ar-Rashîdah, and the book that became best seller in Indonesia Ar-Rahîqul Makhtum by Sheikh Shafiyurrahman al-Mubarakfuri.
There are several things that are highlighted by readers, especially the issue of the birth year of the Prophet Muhammad in the AD calculation. Regarding this, there are those who argue in 570 AD, there are also those who argue in 571 AD. And both opinions each have authoritative arguments.
In this regard, I prefer the opinion of Sheikh Said Ramadhan al-Buthy who chose not to include the Christian year in his writing, but rather preferred to use âmmul fîl (the year of the elephant) related to the birth of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. This is perhaps the task of the editor of this book to include each source. (nash) the arguments for both opinions.
Overall, this 287-page book is compelling to read, review, and discuss. The story of the Prophet Muhammad's life will never be finished, and his greatness and glory will never be finished. Reading the Sirah (the narration) is not only for gaining insight and knowledge, but also for much more, as Sheikh Said Ramadhan al-Buthy stated:
"The purpose of studying the Prophet's Sirah is for Muslims to gain a complete picture of the essence of Islam, as reflected in the life of the Prophet Muhammad, which is interpreted as a principle, source of law, and guide for life. Therefore, studying the Sirah helps us to perfectly embody this essence of Islam in our real lives." (Fiqh Sirah, p. 21). Read p. vi
For your information, this book is used as reference material in competitions. Everyone Reads It 2023 initiated by the magazine Water springs. For information please open the link https://mataair.co/sm23/
May our hearts and souls be moved to learn sirah or the life journey of the Prophet Muhammad. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds
Wallahu “Alam bisshowâb
Editor : Abdullah Farid Contributor : The Prophet's Path 1 Book Writing Team Title : Prophet's Path 1: Unveiling the Veil of the Golden Age Publisher : Pustaka Firdaus Printing : Second, September 2023 Thickness : viii+287 pages ISBN : 978-979-541-228-1
1 comment