The Book
Ibn ‘Asakir (1105-1176) was one of the most renowned experts on Hadith and Islamic history in medieval Damascus, and author of a multi-volume history of that city. His was a tumultuous time: centuries of Shi‘i rule had not long ended, rival warlords sought control of Damascus, and Crusaders had invaded, capturing Jerusalem in 1099.
Seeking the unification of Syria and Egypt, and the revival of Sunnism in both, Ibn ‘Asakir placed himself in the service of Sultan Nur al-Din Zengi, advocating and designing propaganda against Shi‘is and the Crusaders. Through this and his writings that would influence Sunni scholars who followed him, he helped to lay the foundations for the eventual Sunni domination of the Levant, which lasts until this day.
Seeking the unification of Syria and Egypt, and the revival of Sunnism in both, Ibn ‘Asakir placed himself in the service of Sultan Nur al-Din Zengi, advocating and designing propaganda against Shi‘is and the Crusaders. Through this and his writings that would influence Sunni scholars who followed him, he helped to lay the foundations for the eventual Sunni domination of the Levant, which lasts until this day.
Additional Information
| Subject | Middle East, History, Religion: Islam |
|---|---|
| Series | Makers of the Muslim World |
| Pages | 160 |
| Imprint | Oneworld Academic |
Table of Contents
NotesAcknowledgments
1 The World of Ibn ‘Asakir
Damascus in the fifth/eleventh century
The Burids
Nur al-Din
Status of Religious Scholarship
Back to Ibn ‘Asakir
2 Life & Career
Background
Education & Travels
First Trip
Second Trip
Return to Damascus
Teaching & Character
Writings
Death
3 Scholarship & Activism
Political unity and Revivification of Sunnism
Trustee of Hadith
The College of Hadith
In Defense of Ash‘arism
Tabyin kadhib al-muftari
Preaching of Jihad
Al-Arba‘un hadith fi al-hathth ‘ala al-jihad
Others Books on Jihad?
Religious Merits of Towns and Places
Fadl ‘Asqalan
Ibn ‘Asakir as Theologian and Historian
Was Ibn ‘Asakir a Theologian?
Was Ibn ‘Asakir a Historian?
4 Ta'rikh Dimashq
The Idea
The Book
Rehabilitation of Past Figures and Islamic Unity
Arrangement and Divisions
Transmission
Manuscripts
Impact
Modern Editions
5 The ‘Asakir Extended Family
Direct Descendants of Ibn ‘Asakir
Descendants of Ibn ‘Asakir's Sister
Descendants of Ibn ‘Asakir's Brother Muhammad
Other Members of the ‘Asakir Family
The ‘Asakir Family Tree
6 Medieval Legacy
Ibn ‘Asakir's Notable Students
Ibn ‘Asakir's Legacy through his Ta'rikh
7 Modern Legacy, Syrian Nationalism & Islamic Nationalism
The Late-Nineteenth- to Early-Twentieth-Century Context
The Late-Twentieth-Century Context
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
