Muhammad (SAW) in the Near-Contemporaneous Non-Muslim Sources: An Appraisal of Robert Spencer’s Views

Muhammad’s (SAW life is fully reserved and recorded in history. It has been established beyond a shadow of doubt that not only the major and significant events of his life but even the minutest details of his life are also painstakingly preserved by the Muslims. In spite of the availability of abundant authentic documents concerning Muhammad’s (SAW) life, sayings and deeds, some critics of Islam stubbornly refuse to believe in his historicity. Robert Spencer is one such critic who maintains that Muhammad’s (SAW) value is nothing more than a fictional or mythological figure. This article is an attempt to prove the existence of Muhammad (SAW) in contemporary non-Muslims sources. The article is divided into three major parts: the first part of the paper throws light on how much emphasis Muslims lay on historical authenticity of Muhammad (SAW), in the second part of the paper views and doubts of prominent like orientalists Spencer concerning Muhammad’s (SAW) historical authenticity have been summarized, whereas the third part presents Robert Spencer’s views in the same connection and endeavors to refute his views and approach drawing on contemporary non-Muslim Sources.  

Influence of Home Environment on Numeracy Skills Development of Grade 2 Students in One of Private Schools of District Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan

Home environment plays important role in the overall development of a child. It provides a child with a lot of opportunities to develop socially as well as cognitively. Keeping in mind the importance of home environment for various aspects of a child's development, this study explored the influence of home environment on numeracy skills development of grade 2 students in one of the private schools in district Ghizer of Gilgit-Baltistan. A qualitative research paradigm was used to explore the topic. Two parents, two mathematics teachers and two children studying at grade 2, through purposive sampling were selected from one of the union councils of Gupis tehsil in district Ghizer. Data was collected using interviews, home environment observations, and document analysis of the children. The study has produced some key findings such as beliefs of parents about home environment and numeracy skills development, children's numeracy skills experiences at home, different aspect of the home environment like social, emotional and physical environment. Also, Social, economic and educational background of the parents and home school relationship were reflected as major findings of the study. It was found that home environment plays vital role in developing children numeracy skills development because children undergo certain formal and informal experiences at home. Role of parents is also of paramount importance to develop children's numeracy skills in home context. It was also evident that stable social economic and educational background of the parents is a supporting factor for development of mathematical concepts. Besides, home school strong relationship plays key role in supporting children to develop their numeracy skills. Thus, the finding of the study will be helpful for the teachers of mathematics as well as the head of the school in order to bring change in teaching and learning processes particularly in mathematics learning by involving parents and considering home environment important for the children development.