Abstract

Chapter 6 presents the Hudaybiya incident, one of the most significant turning points in the Prophet’s life, as a case study to explore the concept of “sīrah philosophy.” Through detailed analysis, this chapter reveals how Gülen interprets and applies sīrah narrations, offering insight into what he means by sīrah philosophy—a key rhetorical element in his discourse. This perspective is crucial as it provides a framework for understanding and applying sīrah in a modern context for contemporary audiences. The Hudaybiya incident, which resulted in a peace treaty between the Prophet and the Meccan polytheists, had far-reaching consequences in Islamic history. By examining this event through the lens of sīrah philosophy, the chapter not only constructs a narrative based on sīrah sources but also compares Gülen’s interpretation with classical and modern sīrah accounts. His inclusive interpretation, which aligns contemporary needs with historical precedents (i.e., understanding the philosophy of sīrah and using it as a guide), is critically analysed. This case study demonstrates the relevance of sīrah to modern times, illustrating how the life of the Prophet can offer solutions to contemporary challenges within mainstream Muslim understanding. The parallels drawn between sīrah, particularly the Hudaybiya incident, and issues such as peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, human dignity and conflict resolution are pivotal.