Sira of the Prophet | Ibn Hisham, Ibn Kathir, classical sources

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What this shelf holds, and what it does not

Here, the sources of the sira: the early works from which every later account is drawn, with their chains of transmission and their raw material. These are not works of synthesis. If you want a continuous, commented narrative, that is Sira: modern studies. If you want the story in one evening, that is Sira in one volume. Three shelves, three distinct uses.

The reference works

As-Sira an-nabawiyya by Ibn Hisham, after Ibn Ishaq: the earliest source preserved as a whole. Everything written later cites it.
Al-Bidaya wa an-nihaya by Ibn Kathir: its biographical part also circulates separately as As-Sira an-nabawiyya, in four volumes, with a sifting of the reports.
Uyun al-athar by Ibn Sayyid an-Nas: an early synthesis of the earlier sources, better ordered than Ibn Hisham.
Zad al-ma'ad fi hady khayr al-'ibad by Ibn al-Qayyim: less a chronology than a treatment of prophetic conduct, chapter by chapter.
At-Tabaqat al-kubra by Ibn Sa'd: the raw biographical material, by classes, much used in research.

Why the chains of transmission change everything

Ibn Hisham reports without systematically sifting: his work is a source, not a collection of established accounts. That is precisely its value for anyone wanting to go back to the material, and its limit for anyone after a safe reading. A verified edition flags the weak reports in the notes. On this shelf the editor's name is therefore not a comfort detail.

What to check

The editor and the presence of takhrij. The volume count, since Ibn Hisham and Ibn Kathir circulate as complete sets and as extracts. The paper and the sewn binding, on works meant to be kept. And for Al-Bidaya, whether the copy is the whole work or only the sira part. These points are stated on each product page.

Related shelves

For the description of his person rather than the events, Virtues of the Prophet ﷺ. For the men around him, Lives of the companions. For what followed, History of the caliphs and of Islam. For the places mentioned, Historical geography. Overview: History.

Order and shipping

Real stock displayed, dispatch within 24 to 48 working hours, delivery to France, Europe and the rest of the world. To know whether an edition of Ibn Kathir is the sira alone or the complete Al-Bidaya, write to us before ordering.

What is the difference between this shelf and the modern studies?

Here, the sources: the early works with their raw material and their chains of transmission, from which every later account is drawn. The modern studies sift that material, establish a chronology and add maps. Take the sources to verify, the studies to understand. The two add up.

Is Ibn Hisham reliable on everything he reports?

No, and that is not the aim of the work. He reports without systematic sifting: his book is a source, not a collection of established accounts. That is precisely its documentary value, and its limit for a safe reading. A verified edition flags the weak reports in the notes, and we state the editor on every product page.

Is Ibn Kathir's sira a separate work?

It is the biographical part of Al-Bidaya wa an-nihaya, published separately in four volumes as As-Sira an-nabawiyya. Both exist in stock, and the prices are nothing alike. Before ordering, check on the product page whether it is the extract or the complete chronicle, or write to us.

Is Zad al-ma'ad a book of sira?

Not in the sense of a chronology. Ibn al-Qayyim treats prophetic conduct chapter by chapter: prayer, travel, dress, food, care. You look up how he did a given thing, not on what date an event happened. For the chronology, Ibn Hisham or Ibn Kathir.

Do these works need a good level of Arabic?

Yes, more than the modern studies do. The early sources use classical language, chains of transmission and a vocabulary of transmitters you need to have met. If the sira is new to you, begin with Ar-Rahiq al-makhtum and come back here afterwards. The level is stated on each product page.

Sira: the classical sources