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Abstract

The biography of the Prophet ﷺ is a subject that has been extensively written about since the first century of Hijra, continues to be written about today, and will undoubtedly remain a topic of scholarly and devotional interest in the future. This subject holds religious, academic, historical, and contemporary significance, prompting Muslim scholars of every era to contribute to its exploration. Alongside men, women have also engaged in writing on this subject to express their devotion and love for the Prophet ﷺ. From ancient to modern times, women have played their part in this field, and while their contributions are fewer in comparison to men, their numbers are steadily increasing in modern times. Women have also explored various aspects of the Prophet's ﷺ biography in the Arabic language. One notable work in this context is "Ijtihad Al-Rasool" authored by Nadia Sharif Al-Omari. This book uniquely combines the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh) with the life of the Prophet ﷺ, analyzing whether the Prophet ﷺ engaged in ijtihad (independent reasoning). The author meticulously presents evidence supporting her conclusion that the Prophet ﷺ did indeed engage in ijtihad. This article provides a research-based and analytical study of her book. It begins by discussing the biographical details of the author, followed by an introduction to the book. Subsequently, the writing style of the author and the nuanced insights within her work are critically examined. Finally, the findings and recommendations of the study are presented.