Evaluation of Goldziher’s Views About the Influence of the Sciences of Theology, Philosophy and Mysticism on the Modeling of the Prophet’s (s) Personality

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Abstract

The Noble Prophet (s) has been introduced as an excellent role model for the Muslims in ethical and practical matters due to his possession of the supreme and most perfect traits and qualities. In addition to divine emphasis and the confirmation of the Muslims on this position, some non-Muslim scholars have also acknowledged it, but the opponents of Islam have always sought to deny Islam through denial of the prophecy of the Noble Prophet (s) and, consequently, the very legitimacy of the Qur’an. In the meantime, some Orientalists have tried to dismantle this aspect of the Prophet (s) i.e. his being an exemplary role model, in order to achieve their own ends. In the article “Mohammad and Islam” Goldziher has denied the role of the Prophet as exemplar and claims that the science of Islamic theology (kalām) is responsible for presenting the Prophet Muhammad (s) as a mythical and legendary figure with the loftiest of virtues. It seems that, to date, there has not been a detailed and systematic response to this theory. Therefore, the present paper tries to explain the basis of this theory by adopting an analytical-critical method, before presenting a detailed critique. The following article outlines the methodology adopted by this Orientalist through the formulation of arguments in the three general stages of development, fallacious reasoning and the unscientific nature of his approach.

Keywords

The Qur’an from Orientalists Point of View
Volume 12, Issue 22
April 2017
Pages 77-104

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 April 2017
  • Revise Date: 22 June 2017
  • Accept Date: 11 August 2017

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