Sirat

Sirat is an Arabic term meaning "path" or "way." In Islamic usage it denotes two related ideas: the universal concept of a righteous path in life, and, in later eschatology, a specific bridge over the Hell of the afterlife. The word also appears in the transliterated form Sira or Seerah when referring to the biographical genre about the Prophet Muhammad.

The Straight Path and guidance. In the Qur’an, the term sirāṭ is most prominently associated with al-Sirāṭ al-Mustaqīm, the Straight Path. This concept encompasses divine guidance, moral conduct, and the proper way for believers to live. Muslims invoke the phrase in daily prayer as part of Surah al-Fātiḥah, seeking steadfastness on the path and avoidance of misguidance.

The Sirat in Islamic eschatology. In many traditions, as-Sirāṭ refers to a bridge set over Hell on the Day of Judgment. All souls would cross this bridge to reach Paradise, with the crossing described in varying detail in hadith literature. Its difficulty is said to depend on a person’s deeds and faith, with the righteous crossing swiftly and safely, while others may struggle or falter until judgment is completed. The concept functions as a moral and theological symbol of accountability and divine mercy.

Sirah literature. The term sirah also designates the genre of biographies of Muhammad’s life, known in English as the Seerah. Early works—most notably Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah (survived through Ibn Hisham’s recension) and the biographies of Ibn Sa’d and others—collect traditions about Muhammad’s birth, prophethood, battles, and migrations. While valued as historical sources, these texts are understandings of early Islamic history and are treated with critical appraisal regarding chronology and attribution.

Usage. Beyond these branches, sirat frequently appears in Islamic discourse to denote the general notion of a proper path and moral conduct.