Ibn Kathir and His Historical Narrations

Abstract

The book Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya by Imam Imad al-Din Ibn Kathir is regarded as one of the most prominent historical encyclopedias in the Islamic heritage. It masterfully combines narrative storytelling with critical analysis according to a distinctive methodology. This study aims to trace the methodological approach that Ibn Kathir followed in presenting historical events — beginning with the creation of the heavens and the earth and extending to the major tribulations and apocalyptic battles at the end of time — while passing through the Prophetic Biography (Seerah), and the histories of the Caliphs and various states. The importance of this study lies in uncovering his methods of handling transmitted narrations: how he balanced between different sources, cited the Quran and the Prophetic Hadith, critiqued the Isra’iliyyat (Judeo-Christian traditions), and relied on what he personally witnessed or heard directly to document certain events. The study also explores the temporal structure adopted by Ibn Kathir, which blends annual (chronological) recording with thematic organization, thereby giving his work a unique character in its field. This chapter aims to analyze these methodological features and highlight the scholarly value of Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya as a trusted and authoritative historical source.