The Biography of the Prophet (ﷺ) for Children: A Comparative Study of Urdu and Arabic Literature"

Abstract

This scholarly article presents a comparative and analytical study of Seerat literature written for children in Urdu and Arabic, examining selected works published between 1975 and 2010. The research critically evaluates the methodological approaches, stylistic features, linguistic structures, and educational objectives of both literary traditions. It explores how the sacred biography of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is adapted for young readers across different linguistic and cultural contexts, highlighting the distinctive characteristics of each tradition. The findings reveal that Urdu Seerat literature emphasizes narrative engagement and moral instruction, while Arabic literature prioritizes textual authenticity and scholarly rigor. The study further critiques modern misappropriations of children's Seerat literature in both languages, demonstrating how selective adaptations and oversimplifications distort the holistic Prophetic methodology. By situating Seerat discourse within its pedagogical, linguistic, and maqāṣid-based framework, this research contributes to contemporary debates on Islamic education, children's literature, and the ethics of religious instruction in early childhood. The article argues that an integrated approach combining narrative elegance with scholarly reliability is essential for effective Seerat education in the modern era.