Teach Yourself
Prophet's Biography

   Sheikh
Muhammad Harûn `Abdur-Râziq (1283 – 1340 A.H.)

 Course Editor
Dr. Nabîl `Abdus-Salâm Muhammad Harûn

 Translators
Dâr At-Tarjamah

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Ever-Merciful

Preface and Dedication

 This course book is based on:

"Talkhîs ad-Durûs al-Awwaliyyah fi as-Sîrah al-Muhammadiyyah" (Summarizing Introductory Lessons of the Prophet's Biography)

The book was written by the author book in two volumes, to be taught for a long period of time in Al-Azhar Institutes.  The present course was derived from the two volumes, and set it in a unified and continuous narration with no repetition.  Revision questions were provided, in addition to a comprehensive index of incidents, figures, and places.

This edition is dedicated to the author, my grandfather who passed away in the year1330 A.H., twenty years before my birth.

It is also dedicated to my father, who brought my attention to this valuable summary in his renowned book, Tahdhîb Sîrat ibn Hishâm (Abridgement of ibn Hishâm's Prophet's Biography) by Abdus-Salam M. Harûn.

 May Allah forgive them both and accept what they exerted to present the Sîrah of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).

 Dr. Nabîl Abdus- Salâm Harûn
*******************************

 Author's Introduction to the Original Arabic Edition

1-    Volume I

 Praise be to Allah, Lord of all creatures; And Peace and Blessings be upon our Master Prophet Muhammad, the one who has the commendable and gratifying biography.  May Allah also bless the Prophet's Family and elite companions. 

I was asked to summarize lessons for junior students and beginners studying the biography of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), according to the model applied in Al-Azhar Islamic Institutes.  Hence, I summarized the first year course in thirty lessons.

2-    Volume II

 Praise be to Allah, Lord of all creatures, and Peace and Blessings be upon our Master Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), the truthful Prophet; and may Allah bless his people and companions, and all those who follow his straight Sunnah (way of life) till the Day of Judgement.

 I have had summarized the subjects of the first year students studying Sîrah in Al-Azhar Islamic Institutes, according to their applied curriculum.  I then perceived that I should summarize the subjects of the second year students according to their curriculum in thirty lessons, taking into consideration the difference in perception and knowledge among such students.

 Sheikh/Muhammad Harûn `Abdur-Râziq
**********************************