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The Acclaimed Muslim Scholars
The acclaimed Arab literary figure and poet, Hussain bin Mohammad Baar’e al-Baghdadi
On 17th of the Islamic month of Jamadi as-Sani 1433 lunar hijri in 524 AH, the acclaimed Arab literary figure and poet, Hussain bin Mohammad Baar’e al-Baghdadi, passed away at the age of 81 years. He is considered an authority on grammar and lexicography, and later in life went blind. He has left behind his Diwan of poetry.
The lexicographer and exegete of Holy Qur'an, Abul-Hassan Ali ibn Abdus-Samad Shafei
On 12th of the Islamic month of Jamadi as-Sani in 643 AH, the lexicographer and exegete of Holy Qur'an, Abul-Hassan Ali ibn Abdus-Samad Shafei, passed away. He was born in Sakha in Egypt, and is popularly known as Sakhavi. He left for Shaam or Greater Syria for completion of his studies and took up residence in Damascus. He has left behind numerous books in the field of cantilation, religious principles, and hadith, including the books “Jawaherâ€, and “Safar us-Sa’adahâ€.
Ahmad bin Fadhlan became the first Muslim envoy in the lands of the Bulgars and the Vikings
On May 12 in 922 AD, Ahmad bin Fadhlan became the first Muslim envoy to arrive in the lands of the Bulgars and the Vikings, north of the River Volga from the Abbasid court in Baghdad. His account of his travels which has been published in several languages including the original Arabic, provides a description of the Volga Vikings, including an eye-witness account of a ship burial. The day of his arrival is an official religious holiday in modern republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation. Ibn Fadhlan also gives an excellent description of the Russian tribes, who until then had not become Christianity and were pagans.
The literary figure, historian, and judge, Muhassin ibn Ali at-Tanoukhi
On 21st of the Islamic month of Jamadi as-Sani in 384 AH, the literary figure, historian, and judge, Muhassin ibn Ali at-Tanoukhi, passed away at the age of 55 years. Among his numerous compilations, mention can be made of the book: “al-Faraj Ba’d ash-Shiddah†which covers the historical and social developments of that era. Another one of his books is “al-Masajedâ€. He has also left behind a Diwan of Arabic poetry.
Ahmad ibn Mohammad Ibn Ataollah al-Iskandari
On 25th of the Islamic month of Jamadi as-Sani in 709 AH, Ahmad ibn Mohammad Ibn Ataollah al-Iskandari, third sheikh of the Shadhili Sufi order, passed away in Cairo. He was born and grew up in Alexandria and was responsible for systematizing the order's doctrines and recording the biographies of its founder, Sidi Abu’l-Hassan ash-Shadhili, and his successor, Sidi Abu’l-Abbas al-Mursi. Ibn Ataollah authored a treatise on dhikr, titled “Miftah al-Falah†or The Key to Salvation, which is a Sufi manual of invocation. His compilation of aphorisms helped to make the group very popular. The wide circulation of his written works led to the spread of the Shadhili order in North Africa.
Qasem bin Fera ash-Shatebi, popularly known as “Imam al-Qurraâ€
On 28th of the Islamic month of Jamadi as-Sani in 590 AH, the famous reciter of the Holy Qur'an, Qasem bin Fera ash-Shatebi, popularly known as “Imam al-Qurra†passed away in Cairo, Egypt. He is the author of a book on the seven different ways of recitation.
The Muslim botanist and physician, Rashid od-Din Souri, the founder of modern botany
On 1st of the Islamic month of Rajab in 639 AH, the Muslim botanist and physician, Rashid od-Din Souri, died. He was from Tyre (Sour) in Lebanon and is considered the founder of modern botany. His most important compilation is an illustrated encyclopedic book on herbs and plants.
The Egyptian scholar Abdur-Rahman Jalal od-Din as-Suyuti
On 1st of the Islamic month of Rajab in 849 AH, the Egyptian Sunni scholar Abdur-Rahman Jalal od-Din as-Suyuti was born. He was an expert in jurisprudence, hadith, history, exegesis of the Holy Qur'an, and Arabic grammar and literature. His books are still taught today in Islamic seminaries. In his exegesis titled "ad-Dur al-Manthour" (Scattered Pearls), he has pointed to the ayahs revealed by God Almighty on the outstanding merits of the Prophet's Ahl al-Bayt, i.e. Hazrat Fatema Zahra (SA), Imam Ali (AS), Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husain (AS). He also wrote a separate book on the Merits of the Ahl al-Bayt.
The renowned Arabic poet, Ibn al-Rumi
On 2nd of the Islamic month of Rajab in 221 AH, the renowned Arabic poet, Ibn al-Rumi, was born in Baghdad. The son of an Iranian Muslim mother and a half Greek Muslim father, named Abbas ibn Jurayj, his name was Ali, and by the age of twenty he was an accomplished poet. His patrons included the Tahrid ruler of Khorasan, Obaydallah ibn Abdullah, and the Persian Ismail ibn Bulbul. He was a follower of the School of the Prophet’s Ahl al-Bayt, and composed numerous poems in praise of Imam Ali al-Hadi (AS) and Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) – the 10th and 11th Infallible Successors of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). He died of illness at the age of 59, although some have suggested he was poisoned. His Diwan is a masterpiece of Arabic poetry.
The famous philologist, Hassan bin Abdullah Sirafi
On 2nd of the Islamic month of Rajab in 368 AH, the philologist, Hassan bin Abdullah Sirafi, passed away in Baghdad. He was one of the teachers of the famous scholar and compiler of the “Nahj al-Balaghaâ€, Seyyed Razi, during the latter’s childhood. Once the child Razi had a lively discussion with him on the wrong track the caliphate took after Prophet Mohammad (SAWA).
The Muslim scholar and literary figure, Ibn Tarara
On 7th of the Islamic month of Rajab in 305 AH, the Muslim scholar and literary figure, Ibn Tarara, was born in Iraq. Among his works mention could be made of the voluminous book titled “al-Jalees as-Saleh al-Kafi wa'l-Anees an-Naseh ash-Shafiâ€. He passed away in 390 AH.
The lexicographer and exegete of the Holy Qur’an, Mohammad Ibn al-Qassim al-Anbari
On 11th of the Islamic month of Rajab in 271 AH, the lexicographer and exegete of the Holy Qur’an, Mohammad Ibn al-Qassim al-Anbari was born in Baghdad. He had a powerful and photographic memory and was very modest in teaching. In his book "al-Masahef" he has mentioned the "tawatur" (continuously unbroken chain of narration) of the famous "Hadith Thaqalayn" in which Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) has explicitly stated: "I am leaving behind among you Two Weighty Things; the Book of Allah (Qur'an) and my progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt. Hold fast to them and you will never go astray, for the two never part with each other even when they return to me at the Fountain (of Kowsar in the Hereafter)." Among his other works, mention can be made of “Adaab al-Katebâ€. He passed away in 328 AH.
The narrator of hadith and historical events, Abu Hudhayfa
On 12th of the Islamic month of Rajab in 206 AH, the narrator of hadith and historical events, Abu Hudhayfa, passed away. Among his important compilations, mention could be made of “al-Mubtada†on the creation of mankind and the biography of prophets. He has also narrated from Imam Ja’far Sadeq (AS), the account of Prophet Mohammad’s (SAWA) “Me’raj†(Ascension) to the ethereal heavens and back in a fraction of the night.
The renowned Egyptian Imami theologian, Ibn Barraj Tarabulusi
On 9th of the Islamic month of Sha'ban in 481 AH, the renowned Egyptian Imami theologian, Abu’l-Qassim Abdul-Aziz Ibn Barraj Tarabulusi, passed away. He was born in Fatemid Ismaili Shi'ite Egypt and grew up there. He went to Iraq for higher religious studies and in Baghdad studied under such great scholars as Seyyed Murtaza and after him Abu Ja'far Shaikh at-Tayefa Tusi.
He settled in Tripoli (Tarabulus) in what is now Lebanon and served there as the chief judge for almost thirty years, in addition to being the representative of Shaikh Tusi. He trained many scholars and penned numerous books on theology and Islamic philosophy. His well-known book is “al-Jawame' al-Faqihâ€, which is in the form of questions and answers and is considered highly significant till this day. His other works include "al-Kamel" and "al-Mo’jiz".
The theologian and lexicographer, “Ibn-e Anbariâ€
On 9th of the Islamic month of Sha'ban in 577 AH, the theologian and lexicographer, Abul Barakaat Abdur-Rahman ibn Mohammad, popularly known as “Ibn-e Anbariâ€, passed away in Baghdad. He has left behind numerous books and treatises, including “al-Asraar al-Arabiyyaâ€.
The prominent religious scholar, Hussein ibn Mohammad Saleh Khaledi
On 13th of the Islamic month of Shabaan in 1200 AH, the prominent religious scholar, Hussein ibn Mohammad Saleh Khaledi, passed away. He was born in Bait al-Moqaddas and learned the common sciences of his day in his hometown. He was a skilled writer and poet.
The Shafe'i theologian and scientist, Kamal od-Din Ibn Younus
On 14th of the Islamic month of Sha’ban in 639 AH, the Shafe'i theologian and scientist, Kamal od-Din Ibn Younus, passed away in his hometown Mosul. He was a product of the famous Nizamiyya Academy of Baghdad founded by the Iranian vizier of the Seljuqid Dynasty, Nizam ol-Molk Tusi, and had studied mathematics and geometry under the Iranian scientist, Sharaf od-Din Tusi. He was an astronomer and physician as well, and among his valuable compilations is the book: “al-Asrar as-Sultaniyyah†on astronomy.
The North African Maliki theologian, Ibn Marzouq al-Hafeed
On 14th of the Islamic month of Sha’ban in 842 AH, the North African Maliki theologian and literary figure, Mohammad ibn Ahmad Ibn Marzouq al-Hafeed, passed away. He performed the Hajj pilgrimage twice at a young age, and travelled over most of North Africa, Egypt, Syria and Constantinople. He belonged to the famous Ibn Marzouq Family of Tilmisan that produced theologians, literary figures, and politicians, who significantly influenced the Islamic culture of the people of what is now Algeria and Morocco. He has left behind several books, including a book in verse on the science of hadith, titled “al-Hadiqahâ€.
The Arabic poet and scholar, Abdullah ibn ad-Dahhan Shafe’i
On 16th of the Islamic month of Sha’ban in 612 AH, the Arabic poet and scholar, Abdullah ibn ad-Dahhan Shafe’i, passed away in Baghdad. He was from the city of Mosul and was an expert in the common sciences of his day, such as theology, exegesis of the Holy Qur’an, medicine, and astronomy, and wrote beautiful poems. Besides Arabic, he was fluent in Persian, Turkish, Roman, Sanskrit, and Armenian languages and whenever his non-Arab students did not understand his remarks, he spoke to them in their own language. He went blind in his last years.
The hadith scholar, poet, and historian, Ibn Hajar Asqalani
On 22nd of the Islamic month of Sha’ban in 773 AH, the hadith scholar, poet, and historian, Shahabuddin Ahmad ibn Ali ibn Mohammad Ibn Hajar Asqalani, was born in Cairo. He memorized the Holy Qur'an at the age of ten and thereafter traveled to different lands to acquire knowledge and sciences. A prolific writer, he compiled some 150 books and treatises on various topics. He died in 852 AH at the age of 79 years and his funeral was attended by an estimated 50,000 people including the Sultan.
The renowned Egyptian Shafe'i scholar and historian, Al-Maqrizi
On 16th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 845 AH, the renowned Egyptian Shafe'i scholar and historian, Taqi od-Din Ahmad ibn Ali al-Maqrizi, passed away. Although he lived in the Mamluk era, he was an expert in the history of the Ismaili Fatemid Shi'ite dynasty and its role in Egyptian history. In fact, he regarded himself a s descendent of the Fatemid caliph, al-Mo'ez le-Dinillah. Born in Cairo, he traveled widely in the Hejaz and Syria, and for a while worked as a judge in the Egyptian capital. Among his works is a book on Egyptian history titled: “as Solouk le-Ma'refat ad-Dawal wa'l-Molouk" and Itte'aaz al-Honafa be Akhbaar al-A'emma al-Fatemeyyeen al-Kholafaa (about the Fatemid state).
The Malekite hadith scholar, Al-Maghazeli
On 14th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 542 AH, the Malekite hadith scholar, Mohammad Ibn Ali Ibn Mohammad al-Jullabi al-Maghazeli, passed away at the age of 95 in Baghdad. He was the son of Ali Ibn Mohammad al-Jullabi al-Maghazeli, the author of the famous book "Manaqeb (Imam) Ali Ibn Abi Taleb (AS)",which he used to teach and explain to students.
The famous scholar,Ibn al-Jowzi
On 12th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 597 AH, the famous scholar, Abdur-Rahman Ibn Ali Ibn Mohammad, known popularly as Abu'l-Faraj Ibn al-Jowzi, passed away in Baghdad at the age of 87 years. He is known for his works in exegesis of the holy Qur'an as well as his numerous hadith writings and books on history. Although a Sunni, he is also famous for the theological stance that he took against other Hanbalis of his time. Ibn al-Jowzi is perhaps the most prolific author and his writings total over 200 books and treatises, including 10-volume history oks, which are over 300 in numbers. Among his famous books, mention can be made of the 10-volume history "al-Montazam fi Tarikh al-Omam" and a book on the unsurpassed merits of Imam Ali (AS), as well as one permitting the cursing of Yazid Ibn Mu'awiyya, the killer of Imam Husain (AS) titled:"ar-Radd ala'l-Muta’seb al-Anid al-Mane' min Dham al-Yazid"
The acclaimed historian Mohammad Ibn Shakir al-Kutubi
On 11th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 764 AH, the acclaimed historian Mohammad Ibn Shakir al-Kutubi, passed away. His works include Uyun at-Tarikh and Fawat al-Wafiyyat. He has acknowledged the prime position of the Infallible Imams of the Prophet's Household in his works.
The Arabic literary figure, poet, grammarian, and Islamic theologian, Seyyed Hibatollah ash-Shajari
On 20th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 542 AH, the Arabic literary figure, poet, grammarian, and Islamic theologian, Seyyed Hibatollah Ibn Ali Ibn ash-Shajari, passed away. He was a descendant of Imam Hasan Mujtaba (AS), the elder grandson of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). He spent almost seventy years lecturing on grammar and has left behind numerous works, including: “al-Amaliâ€, and “al-Hamasahâ€. He has critically evaluated and beautifully explained the poetry of al-Mutanabbi who preceded him by two centuries.
The literary figure and historian, Tajoddin Ali Ibn Anjab Ibn Abdullah as-Sa’i
On 20th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 674 AH, the literary figure and historian, Tajoddin Ali Ibn Anjab Ibn Abdullah as-Sa’i, passed away in Baghdad at the age of 81 years. He was the custodian of books at the al-Mustansiriyah School of Baghdad. After the sack of Baghdad by the Mongols of Hulagu Khan and the end of the Abbasid caliphate, he was made in charge of the surviving libraries of Baghdad by the renowned Iranian Islamic scientist, Khwjah Naseer od-Din Tousi. Among his works is “al-Jame’ al-Mukhtasar fi Onwan at-Tarikh wa Uyoun as-Siyarâ€. He also wrote the book “Nisa' al-Khluafa†on the different types of women patronized by the Abbasid caliphs.
The Egyptian Hanafi scholar and historian, Ibn al-Furat
On 29th of the Islamic month of Ramadhan in 807 AH, the Egyptian Hanafi scholar and historian, Ibn al-Furat, passed away in his hometown Cairo at the age of 72. His history "Tarikh ad-Duwwal wa'l-Muluk" focuses largely on the Crusades.
The exegete of the Holy Qur'an, Arabic grammarian and poet, Ibn Dahhan
On 1st of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 569 AH, the exegete of the Holy Qur'an, Arabic grammarian and poet, Sa'eed Ibn Mubarak Ibn Dahhan, passed away at the age of 74 in Mosul shortly after losing his eyesight, during a visit to the Vizier, Jamal od-Din Isfahani, while trying chemical experiments to preserve those of his books brought to him from his flooded library in his hometown Baghdad after the Tigris overflowed its banks. All that has remained of his works is his "Fosoul", on the art of prosody, and one "Qasida".
The Baghdadi poet and literary figure, at-Ta’awizi
On 2ndof the Islamic month of Shawwal in 583 AH, the Baghdadi poet and literary figure, Mohammad ibn Obaidollah Ibn Abdullah at-Ta’awizi, passed away at the age of 64. He has left behind several long odes in praise of Prophet Mohammad and the Infallible Ahl al-Bayt.
The prominent Sunni Muslim Iraqi scholar, an-Naqqash al-Musili
On 2ndof the Islamic month of Shawwal in 604 AH, the prominent Sunni Muslim Iraqi scholar, Mohammad bin al-Hassan bin Mohammad, Abu Bakr an-Naqqash al-Musili, passed away. After studying in Baghdad he traveled to various Islamic lands to acquire knowledge. He was considered an exegete of the holy Qur'an and an authority on hadith. In his book titled “Shifa as-Sudurâ€, he has mentioned events relating to the historic occasion of Ghadeer-Khom, where on the 18thof Zilhijja in the year 10 AH, on the express commandment of God, while returning from his Farewell Hajj pilgrimage, he proclaimed Imam Ali (AS) as his vicegerent.
The historian, judge, and literary figure, Jamal od-Din Wasel
On 2ndof the Islamic month of Shawwal in 604 AH, the historian, judge, and literary figure, Jamal od-Din Wasel, was born in the city of Hamah, in Syria. He started his studies under his father, who was a teacher at the Naseriyyah School in Bayt al-Moqaddas. Ibn Wasil had a varied career under both the Ayyubids and the Mamluks of Egypt and Syria. He served as an ambassador under the Sultan Baybars and had various interactions with Christian Crusader invaders. He ended his lengthy and distinguished career as Grand Qazi of his home city of Hama. The major work of Ibn Wasel that addresses the crusades is translated as The Dissipator of Anxieties Concerning the History of the Ayyubids.He especially focused on the career and deeds of Salah od-Din during the Third Crusade.
The Arabic poet and hadith scholar, Ibn Bardis
On 6th of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 786 AH, the Arabic poet and hadith scholar, Ismail Ibn Mohammad Ibn Bardis, passed away. Born in Ba’lbak in what is now Lebanon, he pursued higher studies in Damascus under prominent scholars before visiting several Islamic lands. He embarked on a career of teaching, and was known for his frank views. He has left behind a number of hand-written books including “Kashf al-Neqaāb Ammā Rawá ash-Shaykhaan lil-Ashaab"
The famous literary figure and poet, Ibrahim as-Sabi
On 12th of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 384 AH, the famous literary figure and poet, Ibrahim as-Sabi, passed away. Born in Baghdad, he was highly skilled in poetry and literature. He was also an authority on mathematics, astronomy, and geometry. Among his valuable compilations, mention can be made of “A Treatise in the Science of Trigonometryâ€, and “A Treatise in the Science of Astronomyâ€. He was affiliated to the court of Iranian Buwaihid rulers of Iraq and Iran.
The hadith scholar and historian, al-Fareqi
On 16th of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 510 AH, the hadith scholar and historian, Ahmad Ibn Yusuf Ibn Azraq al-Fareqi, was born in the Miyafareqin region of what is now southeastern Turkey. He travelled widely, becoming familiar with the social state of the masses, their customs, and the historical developments of the said regions. These journeys are recorded in his magnum opus titled "Tarikh al-Fareqi", which is a general history with special focus upon the author's native region of Miyafariqin and Amed. He died in 577 AH at the age of 67 years.
The Sunni Muslim compiler of hadith, Abdur-Razzaq San'ani
On 24th of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 211 AH, the Sunni Muslim compiler of hadith, Abdur-Razzaq San'ani, passed away in Yemen at the age of 85. He was from San‘a, and traveled to Mecca, Medina, Syria and Iraq for study.
It is obvious that he failed to approach the Infallible Imams of the Prophet's Household for authentic hadith, contenting himself with the narrations handed down from the Sahaba, although he has admitted some of the merits of the Ahl al-Bayt.
He went blind in the last years of his life. He was a memorizer of the Holy Qur'an, and his work on hadith is titled "Musannaf Abdur-Razzaq".
The astronomer and mathematician, Sibt al-Maridini
On 10th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa'dah in 826 AH, the astronomer and mathematician, Sibt al-Maridini, whose name was Mohammad ibn Mohammad ibn al-Ghazal, was born in Egypt. His father was from Damascus. The term "Sibt al-Maridini" means "son of al-Mardini's daughter". His maternal grandfather, Abdullah al-Maridini, was a reputed astronomer and was a disciple of the astronomer Ibn al-Majdi. Sibt al-Maridini taught mathematics and astronomy in the Great Mosque of al-Azhar, Cairo. He wrote no fewer than fifty treatises in astronomy (sine quadrants, sundials, astronomical tables and prayer times) and wrote at least twenty-three mathematics textbooks. Among his works are "Sharh ar-Rahbiyah" and "Daqayeq al-Haqayeq", which is in the scientific domain of mathematics.
The Shafei jurisprudent, al-Qazai
On 16th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 454 AH, the Shafei jurisprudent, Mohammad Ibn Salamah al-Qazai, died. He is the compiler of the book titled “ash-Shehab†on the aphorisms of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) arranged in alphabetical order.
A commentary titled "Zou ash-Shehab" was written on this valuable work by Imami scholar, Ziya od-Din Fazlollah.
Abu Hayyan al-Gharnati al-Andalusi
On 30th of the Islamic month of Shawwal in 664 AH, the Spanish Muslim scholar and exegete of the holy Qur’an, Mohammad bin Yusuf bin Ali, known popularly as Abu Hayyan al-Gharnati al-Andalusi, was born in Granada (Gharnata in Arabic). At the age of 38, he relocated to Ceuta in Morocco from where he travelled to through Tunisia, Alexandria, Cairo, and Addis Ababa before reaching Mecca for the Hajj Muslim pilgrimage.
He eventually settled down in Cairo. He was a master of Arabic language, especially in the field of grammar, and authored the famous exegesis of the holy Qur’an titled “Tafseer al-Bahr al-Moheetâ€, which also explains the linguistic meanings of the ayahs. Abu Hayyan died in 654 at the age of 90 in Cairo.
The famous Arabic poet, al-Muhallabi
On 4th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 656 AH, the famous Arabic poet, Baha od-Din Zuhayr Abu'l-Fazal Ibn Mohammad al-Muhallabi, died in Cairo at the age of 74. Born in Mecca, he travelled to Egypt where he became a poet at the court of the Ayyubid Kurdish dynasty, and finally became vizier of Sultan as-Saleh. His Diwan was translated into English in two volumes by E.H. Palmer in 1876-77.
The renowned Syrian calligrapher, Ibn al-Basees
On 7th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 716 AH, the renowned Syrian calligrapher, Mohammad Ibn Musa Ibn Ali, known popularly as Ibn al-Basees, passed away at the age of 65. Born in Damascus, he taught calligraphy for fifty years, and wrote many books. His copy of the Holy Qur’an written in illuminated gold-plated letters has remained to this day in addition to several other works.
The Shafei hadith scholar Ali Ibn Omar Dar Qutni
On 8th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 385 AH, the Shafei hadith scholar Ali Ibn Omar Dar Qutni, passed away in his hometown Baghdad. After basic studies in Baghdad, Kufa, Waset and Basra, he traveled to Egypt and Greater Syria, in search of hadith. He was an authority on poetry and literature as well. Among his works, mention can be made of the book known as “Sunan Dar Qutniâ€, in which he has collected the hadith through different sources, and has mentioned some of the merits of the Infallible Ahl al-Bayt of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). Since he had memorized the diwan of the poet of the Ahl al-Bayt, Seyyed al-Himyari, he has been mistakenly called a Shi'ite Muslim by some sources.
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