Date of Publication: 12/15/2025
Abstract:
This paper studies how Western writers describe Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم (as a
statesman. It uses Gérard Genette’s theory of narration to guide the study. The focus is on the
biographies written by W. Montgomery Watt, Lesley Hazleton, and Barnaby Rogerson. The
paper examines how the choice of voice, focus, and time order in these works changes the
way Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم‘(s leadership is shown.
Watt presents Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم (as a practical leader who made decisions based on
reason and need. Hazleton presents him as a leader with empathy and strong moral vision.
Rogerson presents him with a balanced tone and highlights both his human qualities and his
political role. The study shows how these writers use different storytelling tools to build these
images. It explains how “who speaks,” “who sees,” and “how events are arranged” guide
the reader’s view of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم(.
The paper argues that even though the writers disagree in their opinions, they
all face the same problem: how to connect Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم‘(s spiritual role with his political
role. Watt brings the reader close to a pragmatic leader. Hazleton brings the reader close to
a visionary reformer. Rogerson presents him as a human leader whose faith and politics
work together.
The study concludes that narrative style shapes history as much as facts do. It says we must
look not only at what these biographies claim but also at how they tell the story. This
approach helps us rethink how modern writers represent religious and political leaders.
Keywords :
Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم(, statesmanship, Western biographies, Gérard Genette, narration, history