Information Package / Course Catalogue
The Life and Era of the Prophet
Course Code: İST538
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Second Cycle (Master's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

To examine the life, personality, and prophetic activities of the Prophet—within the historical context of the Meccan and Medinan periods—in all their facets; to enable students to evaluate the Prophet’s family and daily life, his religious mission, his political, military, and diplomatic endeavors, and his interactions with society as a cohesive whole. Furthermore, to foster the ability to investigate the relationship between biographical narratives and historical context by comparing *sirah* (biographical) and *maghazi* (military campaign) accounts with the Quran, *?adith*, and other historical sources; to develop the capacity to critically assess diverse interpretations; and to cultivate the skills necessary for conducting academic research grounded in primary sources.

Course Content

The political, social, economic, and religious conditions of Arabia and Mecca during the lifetime of the Prophet; his family background, birth, childhood, youth, and marriage to Khadija; the first revelation, the commencement of his prophethood, and the fundamental principles of his message; the early Muslims, the opposition in Mecca, the migrations to Abyssinia, the boycott, the events in Ta'if, the pledges at al-Aqaba, and the Hijra (migration to Medina); the relations between the Muhajirun (emigrants) and the Ansar (helpers) in Medina, the establishment of the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi), the Constitution of Medina, and the organization of the new society; the struggle against the Meccans, including the various military expeditions (*ghazawat* and *saraya*); relations with Jewish tribes and other religious communities; the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, diplomatic efforts, and the conquest of Mecca; interactions with Arab tribes and the political unification of Arabia; aspects of governance, law, economic life, religious practices, and social organization; the Prophet’s family and daily life, his moral character, the Farewell Pilgrimage, his passing, and his historical legacy. These topics are examined through a comparative analysis, drawing upon both classical *siyar* (biographical) and *maghazi* (military campaign) sources, as well as modern scholarly research.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.It evaluates the major periods, concepts, and historical transformations of Islamic history.
2.Identifies classical Islamic historical sources and academic literature in relevant languages, and utilizes them in research.
3.Analyzes historical information and sources in a critical and comparative manner using scientific methods.
4.It interprets Islamic history within its social, political, economic, cultural, and interdisciplinary contexts.
5.Designs, conducts, and presents in writing independent research in accordance with academic ethical principles.
6.They discuss historical issues related to their field, both orally and in writing, based on scientific grounds.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Watt, W. Montgomery. *Muhammad at Mecca*. Translated by Süleyman Kalkan. Istanbul: KURAMER Publications, 2016. 2. Watt, W. Montgomery. *Muhammad at Medina*. Translated by Süleyman Kalkan. Istanbul: KURAMER Publications, 2016. 3. Ibn Hisham. *al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah*. Edited by Mustafa al-Saqqa, Ibrahim al-Abyari, and ‘Abd al-?afi? al-Shalabi. Cairo: Mustafa al-Babi al-?alabi, 1375/1955. 4. al-Waqidi. *al-Maghazi*. Edited by Marsden Jones. 3 volumes. 3rd edition. Beirut: Mu’assasat al-A‘lami, 1409/1989. 5. Ibn Sa‘d. *al-?abaqat al-Kubra*. Edited by Mu?ammad ‘Abd al-Qadir ‘A?a. 8 volumes. Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1410/1990.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
The historical context of Mecca: the Quraysh, tribal relations, social structure, economic life, and religious traditions; key historical issues concerning the *sirah* (biography of the Prophet).
Week 2 - Theoretical
The Prophet’s lineage and family circle; his birth, childhood, youth, commercial life, marriage to Khadija, and his character prior to the commencement of his prophethood
Week 3 - Theoretical
The first revelation and the beginning of prophethood; the religious, moral, and social foundations of the message (da'wah) during the Meccan period; the historical context of the initial revelations.
Week 4 - Theoretical
The Early Muslims: family and immediate circle, the social standing of the believers, the formation of the new religious community, and the spread of the message.
Week 5 - Theoretical
The development of opposition in Mecca: pressures, the migrations to Abyssinia, the boycott, and the role of tribal protection; a comparison of the accounts.
Week 6 - Theoretical
The final years of the Meccan period: the initiative in Ta'if, negotiations with tribes, the Pledges of al-Aqaba, relations with Medina, and the Hijra (migration).
Week 7 - Theoretical
The formation of the new society in Medina: the Muhajirun (emigrants), the Ansar (helpers), the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi), bonds of brotherhood, and the Constitution of Medina (Sahifat al-Madinah).
Week 8 - Theoretical
Struggle against the Meccans and military operations: *saraya* (expeditions), Badr, Uhud, and the Trench; the political and social consequences of these battles.
Week 9 - Theoretical
Internal relations in Medina: agreements, alliances, and conflicts involving various tribes, Jewish communities, and other religious groups.
Week 10 - Theoretical
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and diplomacy: a policy of peace, relations with tribes, and contacts with communities in Khaybar and beyond Medina.
Week 11 - Theoretical
The conquest of Mecca, the battles of Hunayn and Ta'if; the arrival of delegations, relations with Arab tribes, and political integration in Arabia.
Week 12 - Theoretical
The religious and political leadership of the Prophet: her life of worship, justice, social order, economic practices, and approach to governance
Week 13 - Theoretical
The Prophet’s family and daily life, his moral character, and his relationships with others; the Farewell Pilgrimage, his final days, and his passing.
Week 14 - Theoretical
A holistic assessment of the Prophet’s life: biographical narrative, historical context, variations in sources, and student research presentations
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Quiz1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory145070
Assignment142028
Midterm Examination114014
Final Examination114014
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)126
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
OÇ-1
4
5
4
4
4
4
OÇ-2
5
5
5
4
4
4
OÇ-3
4
5
4
5
5
4
OÇ-4
4
5
5
5
5
5
OÇ-5
4
4
5
5
5
4
OÇ-6
4
5
5
5
4
5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026