On Historicity of the Najran Deputation: Analyzing Legends on Its Composition

In: Islam v sovremennom mire: recenziruemyj naučnyj žurnal = Islam in the modern world : peer-reviewed academic journal, Band 16, Heft 2, S. 27-46

Abstract

The article continues the analysis of the dominant doctrine in the traditional political and legal theology concerning jizya as a tribute from Non- Muslims, established by the Prophet Muhammad. The factual basis of this doctrine was discussed in relation to three paradigmatic precedents, which are usually referred to in support of it: the treatise of the Prophet with the Christians of the city of Najran; with the Jews and Christians during the Tabuk campaign; with the Majus- Zoroastrians of Bahrain. Having discussed in the previous essay the question of the authenticity of Islamic narrative on Najran deputation, from the formal hadithological point of view (i. e., in the aspect of isnad), the author proceeds here to consider these traditions in a substantial way. The study is conducted in line with the Reformist Modernist discourse.