# Ibn Kathir

> Syrian Islamic historian, exegete and scholar (c.1300–1373)

**Wikidata**: [Q369690](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q369690)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibn_Kathir)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ibn-kathir

## Summary
Ibn Kathir was a Syrian Islamic historian, exegete, and scholar who lived from approximately 1300 to 1373. He is best known for his extensive works in Islamic jurisprudence, hadith studies, and the history of Islam, including the Quranic exegesis *Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr* and the historical compilation *Al-Bidaya wa'l-Nihaya*.

## Biography
- Born: c. 1300 (exact date and place unknown)
- Nationality: Syrian
- Education: Trained in Islamic studies, including hadith and jurisprudence
- Known for: Authoring major works on Islamic history, Quranic interpretation, and jurisprudence
- Employer(s): Affiliated with the Tankiziyya school in Jerusalem and the Nur al-Din Madrasa in Damascus
- Field(s): Islamic jurisprudence, hadith studies, Quranic exegesis, and Islamic history

## Contributions
Ibn Kathir authored several significant works:
- *Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr* (Quranic exegesis), which provides detailed interpretations of the Quran.
- *Al-Bidaya wa'l-Nihaya* (World history based on Islamic themes), a comprehensive historical work.
- *Al-Sira Al-Nabawiyya* (Biography of the Prophet Muhammad), which details the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

## FAQs
**What were Ibn Kathir's primary fields of study?**
Ibn Kathir specialized in Islamic jurisprudence, hadith studies, Quranic exegesis, and Islamic history. His works reflect deep knowledge in these areas.

**Where did Ibn Kathir study and teach?**
He was affiliated with the Tankiziyya school in Jerusalem and the Nur al-Din Madrasa in Damascus, where he contributed to Islamic education.

**What is Ibn Kathir best known for?**
He is best known for his Quranic exegesis *Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr* and his historical works like *Al-Bidaya wa'l-Nihaya* and *Al-Sira Al-Nabawiyya*.

## Why They Matter
Ibn Kathir's works remain foundational in Islamic studies, particularly in the fields of Quranic interpretation and Islamic history. His *Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr* is widely used in Islamic scholarship, and his historical compilations provide valuable insights into Islamic civilization. His contributions have influenced generations of scholars and continue to be referenced in modern Islamic studies.

## Notable For
- Authored *Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr*, a major Quranic exegesis.
- Wrote *Al-Bidaya wa'l-Nihaya*, a comprehensive history of the world from an Islamic perspective.
- Composed *Al-Sira Al-Nabawiyya*, a detailed biography of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Affiliated with prestigious Islamic institutions like the Tankiziyya and Nur al-Din Madrasa.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ibn Kathir was born around 1300 in Syria. He received his education in Islamic studies, focusing on hadith, jurisprudence, and Quranic interpretation. His training was likely at institutions such as the Nur al-Din Madrasa in Damascus, where he studied under respected scholars.

### Career and Scholarly Work
Ibn Kathir's career was dedicated to Islamic scholarship. He authored numerous works, including *Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr*, which provides detailed explanations of the Quran. His historical works, such as *Al-Bidaya wa'l-Nihaya*, cover the history of the world from an Islamic perspective, while *Al-Sira Al-Nabawiyya* details the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

### Affiliations and Influence
Ibn Kathir was affiliated with the Tankiziyya school in Jerusalem and the Nur al-Din Madrasa in Damascus. His works have had a lasting impact on Islamic studies, particularly in the fields of Quranic interpretation and Islamic history. His contributions continue to be referenced and studied by scholars worldwide.

### Legacy
Ibn Kathir's legacy lies in his extensive body of work, which remains a cornerstone of Islamic scholarship. His Quranic exegesis and historical compilations have influenced generations of scholars and continue to be valuable resources in Islamic studies. His influence extends beyond his lifetime, as his works are still widely used and referenced in modern Islamic scholarship.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. Encyclopaedia of Islam
7. Source
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. LIBRIS. 2015
10. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/ibn-kesir-ebul-fida)
11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
12. HMML Authority File
13. Digital Scriptorium Catalog