An Examination and Critique of the Place of Miracles and Supernatural Acts in the Book Mawsūʿat al-Tārīkh al-Islāmī

The life and teachings (sīra) or the tradition of the Infallibles hold a position of paramount importance, second only to the noble Quran. Given this significance, the compilation of their life and teachings represents a monumental undertaking. Despite the prohibition on transmitting hadiths and documenting sīra during the first Islamic century, it is imperative to undertake this task, irrespective of the inclusion of both reliable and unreliable narratives within sīra texts. One prominent subject within such compilations is the discussion of miracles and supernatural occurrences (kirāmāt) attributed to the Prophet. It is essential to examine whether these miracles and supernatural events occupy a central role in sīra compilations or are considered peripheral matters. This study aims to ascertain the significance of miracles and supernatural occurrences in Mawsūʿat al-tārīkh al-Islāmī and similar works by its author. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach and utilizing library-based research methods, this study concludes that the author of Mawsūʿa regards miracles and supernatural acts as tangential to the primary focus of sīra writing. Authentic miracles are seldom mentioned, and there is a lack of comprehensive and valid analysis of these acts. However, a review of the Quran, hadith sources, and the writings of both Imami and Sunni scholars reveals that miracles and supernatural deeds are indeed considered major aspects of sīra literature.