This course will explore the ways in which sacred biography is used
in various context to develop theories of authority and history. The
course will begin by examining a number of different theories of
religious authority and then move on to how biography is formative
in developing “orthodox” methods of interpreting revelation as a
means of understanding the relationship between humans and God. We
will then focus specifically on the biographies of Muhammad (d.632
CE). We will explore the development of Muhammad biographical
traditions in Islam and how particular forms of biography (legal and
quasi-legal traditions that relate specific information thought to
originate with Muhammad) are used by Muslims in various contexts and
how changing cultural circumstances influence the evolution of
popular understandings of Muhammad’s life. Specifically, we will
focus on how Muhammad becomes a role model for Muslim living and
what this indicates about changing views of revelation and legal
duties. For instance, how does Muhammad’s life serve as a model for
Muslims living in the modern world? How flexible is biography in
allowing for changes in culture and technology? To what extent, and
according to whom, is Muhammad’s biography still important as a
source of knowing God’s will? We will also look at how non-Muslims,
(Martin Luther, Abraham Geiger, Ignaz Goldziher, Franklin Graham,
and others) have used the biography of Muhammad to develop views of
religion and Islam for inner and inter-confessional dialogue.
Readings: Ibn Sshaq, The Life of Munammad; Sigmund Freud, Moses and
Monotheism, Anon., Guidance from the Messanger, Howard Federspiel;
The Usage of Traditions of the Prophet in Contemporary Indonesia;
and a course packet. Requirements: This will be an intensive reading
and discussion class. Attendance and participation are required.
There will be weekly reaction papers to the readings and a final
extended research paper (10-15 pages).