Interreligiosität und Religiöse Pluralität am Beispiel der Sīraschreibung Muḥammad bin Isḥāqs:

Auslotung islamisch-frühgeschichtlicher Narrative und deren Symbolbedeutungen

Abstract

This article examines the interreligious interactions of the Islamic Prophet based on the oldest biography of the Prophet, written by Muḥammad bin Isḥāq. It explores which denominations the Prophet encountered, how they are portrayed in the Sīra, and their significance in interreligiousunderstanding. The analysis focuses on the Prophet’s interactions with Christians, Jews and Arab henotheists in 7th century Arabia. It highlights cooperation, conflict, and change in interreligious relations. To trace these dynamics, key events such as the municipal order of Medina, the peace treaty of Ḥudaybīya and the conquest of Mecca are examined. The article argues that the Prophetʼs attitude towards members of other religions cannot be judged in a blanket way, but was context-dependent. It underscores the importance of a nuanced, non-anachronistic view of early Islamic history.