Books of the Contemporaries — Seal of the Prophets Vol. 1
Introduction
In this discourse from The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1), Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) details the historical events and scholarly insights surrounding Books of the Contemporaries.
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra)
Section: I-Early Sources of Sirat & Islamic History
Pages: Book pp. 48–50 (PDF pp. 72–74)
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Historical Account
Excluding the books mentioned above, other works of Sīrat and Islāmic history, irrespective of how beneficial and comprehensive they may be, cannot be deemed an original source in the field of Sīrat because their content has been derived from the above mentioned sources. Hence, these works can be used in support of a commentary, or for the purpose of facilitation, but not as a genuine source. In this written work also, wherever reference has been made to books from a comparatively latter age, the intent is merely to provide facilitation, so that instead of presenting miscellaneous references, one reference can suffice. However, a reference of this type is only presented with the satisfaction that its original is in actuality present in early manuscripts. Along with this, the books of contemporaries are also of great merit and worth, because a precious treasure has been gathered and composed with extreme diligence and zeal after the scrupulous study of original books of history and Ḥadīth. In various instances, it is found that an original book may have been lost, but due to the inclusion of a narration in the books of latter-day historians, that particular portion of the original work was safeguarded. In this manner, books written by latter-day historians, though at a limited level, can serve as an original source, provided they are reliable and authentic. In any case, the books of contemporary scholars written in the field of Sīrat and history are mentioned below:
excellent manner. The actual portion pertinent to Sīrat is comprised of two volumes only.
3 Tārīkhul-Khamīs fī Aḥwāli Anfusin- Nafīs
Ḥusain bin Muḥammad bin Ḥasan Dayār Bakrī (Died in 966 A.H.)
This book is comprised of two volumes and is a compendium of the information taken from many books which has been compiled in an attractive manner.
4 Sharḥu Mawāhibil- Luduniyyah
‘Allāmah Muḥammad bin ‘Abdul-Bāqī bin Yūsuf Az-Zarqānī (Died in 1122 A.H.)
This work is comprised of eight comprehensive volumes, all of which are directly related to the Sīrat of the Holy Prophetsa. This is an exceptionally compre-hensive and authentic book and has been written after thorough research. In addition to narrations of Sīrat, many narrations of Aḥādīth have also been presented. In the opinion of this humble one, this comprehensive and investigative work in Sīrat is second to none.
5 Insānul-‘Uyūn fī Sīratil-Amīnil- Māmūn
‘Alī bin Burhān-ud-Dīn Al-Ḥalabī (975 A.H. – 1044 A.H.)
This work is comprised of three volumes and is commonly known as Sīratul-Ḥalbiyyah. This is a remarkably comprehensive book, but regrettably the manner in which the content has been arranged is not so alluring.
been lost; and as for those still present today, when compared to the books mentioned above, are not of such rank as can be presented as a authority or commentary.
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1)
Section: I-Early Sources of Sirat & Islamic History | Navigation: « Previous: [A Brief Note on Waqidi] | Next: [Summary of Discussions] »