Muhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī

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Muhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī
محمد بن السائب الكلبي
Personal life
Born675 AD
Kufa, Iraq
Died763 AD
Main interest(s)Tafsir, Genealogy, History
Notable work(s)Tafsir al-Kalbī, Genealogical works
OccupationScholar, Historian, Genealogist
Religious life
ReligionIslam
DenominationShia
Muslim leader
Influenced

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 historical chronicles. However, according to Al-Dhahabi, his hadith was considered non-trustworthy since he was a Shia.[1] Among his famous students were his son, Sufyan al-Thawri and the prominent historian Ibn Ishaq.

Al-Kalbi lived at a time when most scholars were preoccupied with the "science" of Hadith. As a result, the bulk of Muslim historians, who lived and wrote much later, documented the early history of the Muslim community while ignoring anything that came before Islam. Al-Kalbi was a prominent exception to his time's intellectual norms, focusing much of his efforts on the study of pre-Islamic religion and Arabian history.

Early life and education

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Muhammad 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.[2] His grandfather, his father and his uncles fought alongside Ali's army in the Battle of Siffin and the Battle of the Camel.[3][4] His father later fought and died alongside Mus'ab ibn al-Zubayr in 691.

His scholarly pursuits were profoundly influenced by his upbringing and the rich intellectual environment of Kufa.

Career

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Contributions to Islamic scholarship

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Al-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.[5] Additionally, his genealogical works, including those recounting the histories of various Arab tribes, are considered critical sources of historical knowledge.[6]

Historiographical works

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Al-Kalbī's historical narratives provide valuable insights into early Islamic history. His accounts of idol veneration in pre-Islamic Arabia are particularly notable.[7]

Controversies and criticisms

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Despite 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.[8]

Death and legacy

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Muhammad 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.[9] His son, Hisham ibn al-Kalbi, also followed in his footsteps, becoming a renowned scholar and narrator.

References

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  1. ^ سير أعلام النبلاء - الذهبي - ج 6 - الصفحة 249. Archived 2020-02-06 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ وفيات الأعيان وأنباء أبناء الزمان - ابن خلكان - ج4 - الصفحة 127. Archived 2022-05-14 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ نسب معد واليمن - ابن الكلبي - ج2 - الصفحة 628. Archived 2022-05-14 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Rubin, Uri (19 April 2022). The Life of Muhammad. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-351-88676-5.
  7. ^ Rubin, Uri (28 October 2024). Muhammad the Prophet and Arabia. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-040-24377-0.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ 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.