Prophethood, Politics, and Narrative Voice: Genette's Theory and the Western Perception of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم (as Statesman

Abstract— This paper studies how Western writers describe Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم (as a statesman. It usesGérard 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. Hazletonpresents him as a leader with empathy and strong moral vision. Rogerson presents him with a balanced toneand highlights both his human qualities and his political role. The study shows how these writers usedifferent storytelling tools to build these images. It explains how “who speaks,” “who sees,” and “how eventsare 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 apragmatic leader. Hazleton brings the reader close to a visionary reformer. Rogerson presents him as ahuman 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 atwhat these biographies claim but also at how they tell the story. This approach helps us rethink how modernwriters represent religious and political leaders.