Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari

Quick Facts: Who was Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari?

Subject:

Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari

Known for:

Polymath historian and exegete, author of Taʾrīkh al-Rusul wa-l-Mulūk.

Born:

839

Died:

922

Century / Era:

839s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Abū Jaʿfar Muḥammad ibn Jarīr ibn Yazīd al-Ṭabarī (Arabic: أَبُو جَعْفَر مُحَمَّد بْن جَرِير بْن يَزِيد ٱلطَّبَرِيّ; 839–923 CE; 224–310 AH), commonly known as al-Ṭabarī (Arabic: ٱلطَّبَرِيّ), was a prominent Sunni Muslim scholar, polymath, historian, Quranic exegete, jurist, and theologian from Amol, Tabaristan, in present-day Iran. One of the prominent scholars of the Islamic Golden Age, he was particularly renowned for his works on world history and Quranic exegesis and has been described as "an impressively prolific polymath". His writings included history, law, theology, poetry, lexicography, grammar, ethics, mathematics, and medicine. Al-Tabari's two most famous and influential works were his universal chronicle Taʾrīkh al-Rusul wa-l-Mulūk ("Chronicle of the Apostles and Kings") and his extensive Quranic commentary, Tafsir al-Tabari. The latter assembled earlier exegetical traditions on a vast scale and became a standard work of reference for later Quranic commentators, remaining in use into the modern period.

Career & Major Achievements

In jurisprudence, al-Tabari followed the Shafi'i school for nearly a decade before developing an independent interpretation of Islamic law. His juridical thought remained sophisticated and fluid, and he continued to develop his views on legal questions throughout his life. He consequently founded an independent school of sharīʿa, commonly known as the Jariri school. Although closely related to the Shafi'i tradition, it developed a distinct following and "flourished among Sunni ulama for two centuries after his death" before eventually becoming extinct. Tabari was born in Amol, Tabaristan (some 20 km south of the Caspian Sea) in the winter of 838–39.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He has been described as either of Persian or Arab origin. He memorized the Qur'an at seven, was a qualified prayer leader at eight, and began to study the prophetic traditions at nine. He left home to study in 236 AH (850/1 AD), when he was twelve. He retained close ties to his hometown. He returned at least twice, the second time in 290 AH (903 AD), when his outspokenness caused some uneasiness and led to his quick departure.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 839: Birth of Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari — Polymath historian and exegete, author of Taʾrīkh al-Rusul wa-l-Mulūk.
2. 922: Passing & Historical Legacy — Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari passed away on 922, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari

True or False: “Did Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari ever hold a formal government or judicial position during his long career?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text explicitly states that Tabari 'never took a government or a judicial position' despite tutoring for the vizier.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 839 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 839
• 922 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 922

Frequently Asked Questions about Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari