The Approach of Muhammad Farid Wajdi to the Validity of Prophethood of Muhammad (p.b.u.h) and His Role in Establsihing a Civilized Socity

This paper attempts to examine the approach of an Egyptian scholar, Muhammad Farid Wajdi, in his study of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h). Compared to other studies on Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) which are mostly historical and descriptive in nature, the approach of Wajdi is based on a scientific and rational method. Although Wajdi’s extensive writings are on various aspects of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h),   this paper focuses on his arguments on the validity of the prophethood and the revelation and role of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) in establishing a civilized society. The evaluation of the validity of prophethood is necessary to respond to the misrepresentation of Western orientalists of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) and their rejection of his prophethood. The role of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) in establishing a civilized society is also highlighted to invalidate the claim of the West that the Prophet’s role was only confined to the spiritual life of individuals, whilst disregarding the social, political and economic aspects. Based on his observations and evidences, it can be justifiably claimed that Wajdi is able to refute the misrepresentation of Islam, in general, and Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), in particular.