Literary genre that developed out of narrative histories of Muhammad 's life and activities, often comparing him to other prophets. Similar to Jewish and Christian traditions, sirah chronicles the creation and history of the world up through the time of Muhammad, showing Muhammad's life and work as the fulfillment of divine revelation and providing a basis for Muslim views of history. Sirah has been expanded to encompass the lives of Muhammad's Companions and of saints, treated in similar format. Used as sources for models for interacting with non-Muslims, processes of conversion, correct behavior in the face of adversity, and a guide for social and legal reforms.