Abstract:
This research article explores the important role of Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized academic journals published by Pakistani universities in the promotion and dissemination of Seerah (Prophetic biography) studies from 2013 to 2023. Rooted in Islamic scholarship and guided by an analytical methodology, the study evaluates the contribution of Urdu, Arabic and English language journals to the academic landscape of Seerah literature in Pakistan. Drawing from the doctoral thesis of Muhammad Aslam (2024), the article classifies and analyzes the methodological approaches, thematic orientations and scholarly trends found in HEC-approved journals including Al-Idah, Al-Ilm, Ma’arif-e-Islami, Al-Dawaa and others. The research identifies three major thematic categories within Seerah publications: Prophetic teachings and moral guidance, military campaigns and treaties (Maghazi and Mu‘ahadat) and characteristics and personal attributes of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Shama’il and Khasa’is). The article highlights the increasing academic engagement with modern challenges such as interfaith dialogue, extremism, social reform, and educational ethics through the lens of the Seerah. The findings reveal that while the quality of research has improved significantly, accessibility to general readers remains limited due to academic language and formatting. The study recommends wider digital dissemination, simplified summaries for public readership and further interdisciplinary research that connects Seerah studies with contemporary social sciences. This article contributes a structured and comprehensive assessment of a previously underexplored field and aims to support future Islamic scholarship and institutional policy development in the area of Seerah studies.
Keywords: Seerah Studies, HEC Journals, Islamic Scholarship, Pakistan, Prophetic Biography, Maghazi, Interdisciplinary Research
