Muhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī, also known as Abū n-Nadr, was an Islamic scholar and polymath from Kufa. Born around 737 AD, al-Kalbī is well-regarded for his contributions to Islamic historiography, tafsir (Qur'anic exegesis), and genealogical literature. His works have been foundational to later Islamic traditions and studies.
Muhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī | |
|---|---|
محمد بن السائب الكلبي | |
| Personal | |
| Born | c. 737 AD |
| Died | 763 AD |
| Main interest(s) | Tafsir, Genealogy, History |
| Notable work(s) | Tafsir al-Kalbī, Genealogical works |
| Occupation | Scholar, Historian, Genealogist |
| Senior posting | |
Influenced
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Early life and education
editMuhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī was born and raised in Kufa, Iraq. He received his education there and was known for not traveling extensively, unlike many of his contemporaries.[1] His scholarly pursuits were profoundly influenced by his upbringing and the rich intellectual environment of Kufa.
Career
editContributions to Islamic ccholarship
editAl-Kalbī's most significant contributions lie in his works on tafsir and genealogy. His commentary on the Qur'an, known as "Tafsir al-Kalbī, has been influential in shaping later exegesis.[2] Additionally, his genealogical works, including those recounting the histories of various Arab tribes, are considered critical sources of historical knowledge.[3]
Historiographical works
editAl-Kalbī's historical narratives provide valuable insights into early Islamic history. His accounts of idol veneration in pre-Islamic Arabia are particularly notable.[4]
Controversies and criticisms
editDespite his contributions, al-Kalbī's works have not been free from criticism. Some modern scholars debate the authenticity and reliability of his narrations, particularly those attributed to Ibn Abbas.[5]
Death and legacy
editMuhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī passed away in 763 AD (146 AH). His legacy, however, endures through his extensive body of work and the influence he continues to wield in Islamic scholarship.[6] His son, Hisham ibn al-Kalbi, also followed in his footsteps, becoming a renowned scholar and narrator.
References
edit- ^ Versteegh, Kees; Versteegh, C. H. M. (January 1995). The Explanation of Linguistic Causes: Az-Za?????'s Theory of Grammar : Introduction, Translation, Commentary. John Benjamins. ISBN 90-272-4562-2.
- ^ Nehmé, Laïla; Al-Jallad, Ahmad (20 November 2017). To the Madbar and Back Again: Studies in the languages, archaeology, and cultures of Arabia dedicated to Michael C.A. Macdonald. BRILL. ISBN 978-90-04-35761-7.
- ^ Rubin, Uri (19 April 2022). The Life of Muhammad. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-351-88676-5.
- ^ Rubin, Uri (28 October 2024). Muhammad the Prophet and Arabia. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-040-24377-0.
- ^ Afsaruddin, Asma (27 June 2013). Striving in the Path of God: Jihad and Martyrdom in Islamic Thought. Oup USA. ISBN 978-0-19-973093-3.
- ^ Yanagihashi, Hiroyuki (11 October 2021). A History of the Early Islamic Law of Property: Reconstructing the Legal Development, 7th-9th Centuries. BRILL. ISBN 978-90-474-1341-7.