Reflection of Early Islamic History on Balādhurī’s ʾAnsāb al-Ashrāf: a Case Study of Narrative on ʿAlī ʾibn ʾAbī Ţālib (11-35 A.H. / 632-658 A.D.)

Document Type : Research Article

Author

• Muhammad Taqavi

PhD Candidate, History and Civilization of Islamic Nations, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22067/jhistory.2023.69239.1178

Abstract

Ansāb al-Ashrāf, penned by Aḥmad ʾibn Yaḥyā Balādhurī (d. 279 A.H./892 A.D.), encompasses several diverse narrative about ʿAlī ʾibn ʾAbī Ţālib. It is impossible to overlook an analysis of these narratives in analyzing the history of ʿAlī ʾibn ʾAbī Ţālib’s life. Nevertheless, scholars and historians have not properly acknowledged the significance of this book’s historical accounts. The present article aims at highlighting the significance of the narratives mentioned in Ansāb al-Ashrāf related to Imam ʿAlī, by comparing the book with the most prominent historical sources before and after its publication. The absence of a religious approach in Balādhurī’s work, as compared with writers such as ʾIbn Saʿd and Ţabarī, has led to the fact that he provides a more comprehensive image of events such as Saqīfa, the replacement council for ʿUmar, ʿUthmān’s Assassination, the Battle of Jamal, and his information regarding ʿAlī ʾibn ʾAbī Ţālib is more complete. Additionally, his personal connection with the Abbāsīd government has led him to select narratives related to the interactions between ʿAbbās (the Prophet’s uncle) with ʿAlī ʾibn ʾAbī Ţālib.

Keywords

• ʿAlī ʾibn ʾAbī Ţālib
• Balādhurī
• Ansāb al-Ashrāf
• Early Islamic Historiography

Main Subjects

• History of Islam

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