Abu Jafar Mohammed ibn Jarir al-Tabari, commonly known as Tabari, was a prominent Persian Muslim scholar, historian, and exegete. He was born in 839 CE in present-day Iran and passed away in 923 CE. Tabari is best known for his extensive works in the fields of history, Qur'anic exegesis, geography, philosophy, and law.
As a historian, Tabari wrote a monumental historical chronicle titled "Tarikh al-Tabari" (The History of Tabari), which covers the history of the world from the creation until his own time. This comprehensive work is a primary source for the events of the pre-Islamic period, the life of Prophet Muhammad, and the history of the early Islamic Caliphates.
In the field of Qur'anic exegesis, Tabari compiled an influential commentary known as "Tafsir al-Tabari." This work elucidates the meanings of verses in the Qur'an and provides explanations based on linguistic analysis, jurisprudential principles, and historical context.
Tabari's scholarship also extended to geography, where he penned an extensive geographical work called "Kitab al-Rusul wa al-Muluk" (The Book of Prophets and Kings). This book delves into the geographies of different regions, discusses the histories of different nations, and provides accounts of the reigns of various kings.
Overall, Tabari left an indelible mark on Islamic scholarship through his meticulous historical works and comprehensive exegesis, making him one of the most esteemed figures in the field of early Islamic literature. His writings continue to be studied and referenced by scholars and researchers to this day.
